Layered double hydroxide nanocarriers loaded with butylphthalide attenuate the AKI-CKD transition by regulating mitophagy

Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is an independent risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet there is a lack of effective clinical interventions. Although butylphthalide (NBP) has been proven to have multi-organ protective potential, its rapid in vivo metabolism and low bioavailability limit its clinical application. To overcome these limitations, we rationally designed and synthesized a layered double hydroxide (LDHs)-based nanocarrier system for NBP delivery (LDHs@NBP) via hydrothermal co-precipitation. Comprehensive characterization confirmed successful nanocomplex formation. Critically, LDHs@NBP exhibited accelerated NBP release under mildly acidic conditions, matching the pathological acidosis of injured and fibrotic renal tubules—thereby achieving pH-responsive drug release. Using both an in vivo rat model of unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (uIRI) and an in vitro TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cell model, we demonstrated that LDHs@NBP significantly attenuated renal dysfunction, suppressed interstitial fibrosis, and improved mitochondrial function. Importantly, all protective effects were abolished upon co-treatment with Mdivi-1, confirming mitophagy as the central mechanistic axis. Collectively, this study successfully constructed LDHs@NBP nanocomplexes with pH-responsive drug release properties. This system enhances mitophagy by activating the PINK1-Parkin pathway, thereby effectively blocking AKI-CKD transition. It provides a new strategy with good translational prospects for clinical intervention in kidney diseases.