Inorganic Layered Double Hydroxides as Nonviral Vectors

Abstract

A biomolecular–inorganic hybrid is formed from anionic biomolecules (such as DNA fragments, ATP, or an antisense oligonucleotide) intercalated in a cationic Mg/Al layered double hydroxide (see picture). Such a hybrid can be used to deliver drugs or genes from the inorganic noncytotoxic carrier. Cellular uptake experiments confirm this, with the carrier dissolving slowly in a leukemia cell, and thereby releasing its growth-inhibiting load.