Dissolution performance of acyclovir released from layered double hydroxide clays prepared via spray-drying and lyophilization techniques

•MgAl-Cl-LDH:ACV complexes were prepared via spray-drying or lyophilization.•PXRD analysis and SEM images indicated drug adsorption on the clay surface.•SEM showed spherical from spray-dried versus splintered chunks from lyophilized.•A distinct release kinetic mechanism was observed for spray-dried systems. Our aim was to investigate the impact of spray-drying and lyophilization techniques on the dissolution profile of acyclovir combined with a MgAl-Cl layered double hydroxide clays. Powder X-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy were performed to characterize the solid state of the systems. Dissolution was performed under sink conditions in pH 6.8 buffer. Diffractograms showed that spray-dried systems had a lower degree of crystallinity compared to lyophilized ones, while photomicrographs evidenced the drug adhered to the clay surface, revealing spherical and splintered shapes for spray-dried and lyophilized systems, respectively. Clay-drug systems prepared with 2:1 M proportion via spray-drying were able to slow acyclovir release rate, compared to crystalline drug. Spray-dried systems showed a distinct kinetic release mechanism compared to lyophilized systems and crystalline acyclovir.