Hydroxy double salts as versatile storage and delivery matrices

The utility of hydroxy double salts (HDSs) for the uptake and delivery of a range of functional anions via ion exchange is demonstrated. Three novel HDS nanocomposites containing medicinal (ibuprofen and diclofenac) and agrochemical (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid) species have been synthesised through ion exchange intercalation. The release of the guest ions from the host has subsequently been explored. A range of models have been applied to the release kinetics. Release of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid took place over ca. 200 minutes and release of ibuprofen over around 250 minutes. Coating the crystallites of the intercalates with a sodium alginate layer led to release times being extended to approximately 10 hours, which is an appropriate timescale for an effective release system.