In Situ Development of Quercetin-Enhanced Layered Double Hydroxides for Targeted Osteosarcoma Therapy

In this study, we investigated the structural, thermal, and cytotoxic properties of Mg–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) intercalated with quercetin. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of quercetin into the LDH structure, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increased interlayer spacing due to quercetin intercalation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated greater thermal degradation in quercetin-intercalated LDHs compared to nitrate-intercalated LDHs, suggesting a higher quercetin content in the material. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated morphological changes with quercetin, particularly larger surface clusters at room temperature. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that quercetin-intercalated LDHs exhibited a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell viability, which was more pronounced at higher concentrations and longer exposure times. Quercetin alone had a stronger cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cells compared with Saos-2 cells. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays showed distinct effects of quercetin on both cell lines. These findings highlight the potential of quercetin-LDH hybrids for biomedical applications, particularly for targeted drug delivery.