Modified release of D-glucose incorporated into laponite/ureasil–poly(ethylene oxide) hybrid nanocomposite

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the influence of laponite smectite clay on the structural properties and release profile of the ureasil-polyether organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite. The sol–gel process was used to synthesize the systems combined with the nano-clay, and three concentrations of D-glucose (3, 5, and 10 wt.%) were analyzed for incorporation. The nanocomposite with the most stable D-glucose concentration was used for the release test. The characterization of the laponite colloidal solution was carried out using different viscosity analyses which showed that the 1.5% proportion was the most suitable for formulation due to the formation of a stable gel. The hybrid membrane characterization techniques using infrared spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis show that the formulation components have no chemical or physical incompatibility with D-glucose; the XRD diffractograms confirm that the crystalline domains of D-glucose are suppressed when incorporated into the amorphous Ureasil-polyether material, indicating complete solubilization in the matrix. Finally, the release results show that 20% of the D-glucose was released in 700 min, with a Korsmeyer-Peppas-type kinetic model. Thus, we can conclude that the nanocomposite developed here showed homogeneity and integrity, with satisfactory and adjustable properties such as its mechanical characteristics and the amount of active release, paving the way for its use in various therapies such as bone regeneration. Graphical Abstract Highlights The synthesis of ureasil polyether membranes with laponite and D-glucose was carried out in a way that has never been reported in the literature. The application of laponite optimizes its physical properties and the release of D-glucose. Physicochemical tests reveal compatibility between system components. The membranes maintain physical integrity for 9 months without any precipitation.