Nanoclay as an efficient non-viral delivery system
MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH, or nanoclay) is a naturally existing clay, that can also be readily prepared in the lab cheaply. Although LDH materials find a wide range of applications in various catalysis, adsorbents and medicine, the control preparation of LDH nanoparticles in size/shape provides a new platform for this nanoclay to revive in nanomedicines and gene therapy. The current research in ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials involves a number of explorative projects, including (1) siRNA delivery to neutrons via this nanoclay, (2) cardiovascular drug delivery to control the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, (3) modification of this nanoclay to sustain the supply of vaccine etc.
Major achievements
Control preparation of LDH nanoparticles (size and shape).
Sustaining release of LMWH from LDH hybrid nanoparticles.
Fast uptake of LDH nanoparticles by mammalian cells and neutrons.
Revelation of cellular uptake mechanism: clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Efficient delivery of siRNA to mammalian cells.
Effective adsorbents for anionic contaminants, such as phosphates, arsenate, humic acid and nitrophenol etc.
Future plans and directions
We are planning to focus our nanoclay research on three broad areas: (1) nano-modification of LDH nanoparticles with SiO2 and surface functionalisation available for conjugation of targeting biospecies and PEGylation; (2) bioapplications in treating vascular diseases, neuron diseases and cancer using a modified LDH delivery system; (3) LDH nanocomposites for water purification by removing the toxic anions and decomposing the organic contaminants.
Collaborations
Prof Perry Bartlett, A/Prof Helen Cooper - QBI, UQ
Prof Julie Campbell - AIBN
Prof Anton Middelberg, Dr Lizhong He - AIBN
Prof Dongyuan Zhao, Dr Haifeng Bao - Fudan University, China
Prof Guangren Qian - Shanghai University, China
