Structure and properties of natural zeolites for drug delivery applications
- VernacularTitle:Байгалийн цеолитын бүтэц, шинж чанар ба эмийн хүргэлтэнд хэрэглэсэн байдал
- Author:
Saruul I
1
;
Altantogos M
2
;
3
;
Sarangerel D
1
Author Information
1. Department of Chemistry, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia
2. Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
3. Department of Chemical and Biological engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, National University of Mongolia
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Natural zeolites;
Drug delivery system;
Clinoptilolite;
Mordenite;
Release mechanism
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2026;92(2):186-191
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Natural zeolites-especially clinoptilolite-are promising platforms for drug delivery due to their microporous framework, high cation-exchange capacity, large surface area, adsorption potential, and favorable biocompatibility. These intrinsic properties enable protection of payloads from chemical and enzymatic degradation, modulation of release profiles, and reduced systemic toxicity. As pharmaceutical technology advances, zeolite-based carriers offer solutions to challenges such as poor bioavailability, off-target effects, and environmental concerns from drug residues. Clinoptilolite, the most abundant natural zeolite, has one-dimensional and two-dimensional channel systems with effective pore apertures typically in the 3–10 Å range. These channels act as molecular sieves that (1) physically confine small drug molecules, (2) limit access of degradative agents, and (3) contribute to sustained release. The aluminosilicate framework bears negative charge balanced by exchangeable cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+), providing a strong ion-exchange mechanism that can be exploited to load cationic drugs or to replace native cations with drug-containing species for controlled desorption. Surface modification and composite formation expand application versatility. Grafting of organic groups, adsorption of polymers, or incorporation into polymeric matrices increases surface area, tunes hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, and creates steric barriers to diffusion. Such modifications enable higher drug loading, dual delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic actives, pH-responsive release, and prolonged release kinetics. Typical strategies include: (a) cation-exchange loading for ionic or polar molecules; (b) impregnation/adsorption for nonionic drugs; (c) surface silanization or polymer coating to control interfacial interactions; and (d) embedding zeolites in biodegradable polymers to obtain composite implants or films. Preclinical studies and formulation reports demonstrate stable and sustained release from zeolite-based systems for diverse therapeutics: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain chemotherapeutics, antibiotics, antidiabetic agents, gastroprotective drugs, and neuroprotective compounds. Key performance metrics include extended-release half-life, reduced burst release, protection from acidic gastric conditions, and preserved bioactivity after release. However, performance depends strongly on zeolite type, particle size, porosity, degree of ion exchange, surface treatment, and the drug’s physicochemical properties. Safety and process considerations: Natural zeolites generally show acceptable biocompatibility but must be characterized for impurities (e.g., heavy metals, asbestos-like minerals) and endotoxin content. Particle size and morphology affect cellular interactions and clearance; nanoscale zeolites can enhance loading and release control but require rigorous toxicity evaluation. Processing methods (acid/base activation, thermal treatment, milling) alter surface chemistry and must be optimized to balance loading capacity and safety. Compatibility of antiscalants, buffers, or chelating agents with downstream drug recovery or biological environments must be tested.
Materials and Methods:This review analyzed 32 papers (2000–2026) from Scopus and Web of Science on the structure, properties, and drug delivery applications of natural zeolites.
Conclusion:Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite and mordenite, present a cost-effective and adaptable platform for controlled drug delivery owing to their molecular-sieve behavior, ion-exchange capacity, and amenability to surface engineering. Future research priorities include systematic toxicological profiling, scalable, reproducible modification protocols, and development of targeted or stimuli-responsive zeolite-polymer composites for site-specific and on-demand release. Optimizing zeolite composition, surface functionality, and composite architecture will be critical to translate promising laboratory results into clinically viable drug-delivery products.
- Full text:202609272051200934135.pdf
