Zeolite-based drug delivery systems in modern pharmaceutical research

Recent advancements in zeolite-based drug delivery systems have shown significant promise in enhancing the efficacy and specificity of pharmaceutical applications. Zeolites, particularly natural zeolites (NZs) and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are being explored for their unique properties such as high porosity, biocompatibility, and pH-sensitive drug release capabilities. These characteristics make them ideal candidates for targeted drug delivery, especially in cancer therapy and other challenging medical conditions. The following sections detail the current advancements and potential applications of zeolite-based drug delivery systems. Natural zeolites are valued for their ion-exchange capabilities and ability to adsorb and release compounds at controlled rates, which is crucial for reducing treatment times and side effects in drug delivery applications. Their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity profiles make them suitable for various health applications, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic zeolites. ZIFs have been extensively studied for their ability to enhance the delivery of anticancer drugs, such as doxorubicin and cisplatin. Their porous nature enables the entrapment and selective release of drugs in the acidic tumor microenvironment, thereby improving treatment efficacy. These frameworks also offer structural tunability and chemical modifications, which are advantageous for loading targeted molecules and therapeutic agents. While zeolite-based drug delivery systems show great potential, challenges such as the need for precise control over drug release rates and the development of scalable manufacturing processes remain. Additionally, the exploration of other porous materials like ordered porous silica could complement zeolite applications, offering further advancements in drug delivery technologies.

کلیدواژه ها:

ZIFs ، Pharmaceutical ، Drug delivery