Characterization and drug release of Zn-Al layered double hydroxyde-nifuroxazide composite

Abstract

During last decades, layered double hydroxides ([MII1−xMIIIx(OH)2]x+(A−)x/n·yH2O, LDHs) have been used in catalysis, ceramics as well as in removal of anionic pollutants. Due to their excellent anion exchange capacity, good biocompatibility and low toxicity, the nanoparticles of LDHs showed an excellent potential as drug carriers. Nifuroxazide (C12H9N3O5, NFX) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug, poorly soluble in water. Towards to increase the solubility of NFX, Zn-Al-LDH/NFX composite has been prepared by precipitation method at room temperture. Zn-Al-LDH, NFX and the obtained composite were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. Characterization of the raw materials and the obtained composite confirmed the intercalation of NFX in Zn-Al-LDH. The in vitro study of drug release in simulated stomach acid and intestinal fluid showed constant release of NFX from Zn-Al-LDH during 24 h, confirming Zn-Al-LDH is a promising drug carrier.