In the past decade zirconium phosphate (ZrP) layered material has been targeted as a highly potential drug delivery system of bioactive compounds such as anticancer drugs and antidiabetics. ZrP nanoparticles chemical structure allow, not only its interior modification by ionic exchange processes but, moreover, for surface modification due to the surface high charge density of one charge per 24 Å2. Taking advantage of these attractive properties, the intercalation of ZrP nanoparticles with doxorubicin (DOX) and the surface modification of the intercalated product (DOX@ZrP) with Zr(IV) and monomethyl-polyethylene glycol-monophosphate (m-PEG-PO4-3) was performed to improve the potential of this drug delivery system for cancer therapy applications. Characterization of (DOX@ZrP) by X-ray Powder Diffraction patterns showed a new interlayer distance of 21 Å confirming the successful intercalation of DOX. No changes in the interlayer distance where observed after each surface modification step.31P{1H}MAS NMR data shows a new peak at -26 ppm corresponding to the PO43- groups coordinated with Zr(IV) on the surface. MTS cell viability assay reveals that m-PEG-PO4-3/Zr(IV)/DOX@ZrP system improve DOX delivery to cancer cell interior since cell viability was reduced ca. 50% (ca. 20% more than free DOX and ca. 50% more than the other DOX containing ZrP materials) when human prostate cancer PC3 cells are exposed for 48 h. m-PEG-PO3 polymer coating of DOX@ZrP nanoparticles promise to have a strong impact on the targeting, distribution and degradation of the nanoparticles under physiological environment that should result in a more efficient chemotherapy agent than free DOX.

Surface modified zirconium phosphate nanoparticles for improved doxorubicin delivery

ACS Spring 2022

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