Zeolites: Microporous natural mineral carrier in controlled, targeted (nanocarriers) and gene delivery systems

Abstract

Ongoing efforts are to attain suitable controlled and targeted drug delivery systems to release the therapeutic agent by designing novel formulations. Numerous delivery systems are being used now a days that have magnificently exhibited a positive outcome in clinical trials. Because of assorted assembly, zeolites have gained substantial attention in pharmaceuticals controlled and targeted drug delivery systems. Due to its microporous, mesoporous, or microporous structure, zeolites can be used as a carrier for the delivery of numerous therapeutic drugs at a target site in a controlled manner. Further, a judicious choice of zeolite nanocarriers will enhance the efficacy of various therapeutic drugs accompanied by reduced dosing and toxicity. Besides, zeolite nanocarriers/ nanocomposites framework carrying the drug substance directly in the living cells might be a novel approach for gene therapy. The current review represents the 21st-century development of zeolite-based controlled and targeted delivery systems to target a specific site with active substance/moiety to lower or prevent the action of diseases. Besides dealing with the controlled/targeted delivery systems, this review provides an updated view of zeolite cytotoxicity, immunostimulatory activity, updated patents, and ongoing clinical trials for using zeolites in drug delivery systems.