Encapsulation of a Neutral Molecule into a Cationic Clay Material: Structural Insight and Cytotoxicity of Resveratrol/Layered Double Hydroxide/BSA Nanocomposites

Resveratrol (RES) is a stilbenoid polyphenol with interesting antitumor activity compromised by its poor solubility and bioavailability; thus, new approaches are necessary to improve its therapeutic effectiveness. In the present study, bovine serum albumin coated layered double hydroxide (LDH–BSA) was employed to encapsulate RES in order to overcome the above-mentioned usage limits. To evaluate the feasibility of neutral RES complexation with cationic LDH, we carried out molecular dynamics simulation in order to predict its structure and stability. In the supramolecular complex formed with LDH, RES disposes itself in the interlamellar region of LDH where it is stabilized by intermolecular interactions. The physico-chemical characteristics of the resulting nanocomplexes were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency and drug release studies were also performed. The combined experimental and computational approach were highly effective in giving insight into the interaction mode of the neutral RES with the charged LDH. Finally, the nanohybrid’s anticancer ability was evaluated in human lung cancer cell line (A549) resulting in higher activity with respect to bare RES. Overall, the results showed that the nanocomposites are suitable for biomedical applications as delivery agents of RES.