Investigating Drug Encapsulation in Hierarchical Vaterite Particles Using Coherent X-ray Diffraction Imaging

Mineral particles are amongst the most commonly used drug delivery vehicles for cost-effective, biocompatible and biodegradable drug delivery solutions. The vaterite form of CaCO3 has emerged as an ideal system due to its structural versatility, biocompatibility, mechanical stability and pH responsive biodegradability. Depending on synthesis procedures and nature of the vaterite-drug pair, different modes of drug-mineral interactions might be considered, and the physical storage environment provided by the mesoporous vaterite host can result in significant variations in the loading capacity, release profile and preservation potential of the pharmaceutical agents. To achieve a comprehensive understanding of particle and drug interaction, the unique non-destructive 3D imaging of CXDI will be utilized. With an expected resolution of < 20 nm the study will provide new understanding of how nano-sized grains of the bioactive components are located within the porous matrix of vaterite.