Preparation and characterization of novel bio-composites based on functionalized zeolite and nano-hydroxyapatite for a potential application in bone treatment

This work was aiming to design novel bio-composite (BC) materials based on microwave-prepared AuNPs-loaded Zeolite-A (ZA-Au) and nano-hydroxyapatite (HA). Ciprofloxacin drug was uploaded onto the BC entities to provide a potential treatment for osteomyelitis. The prepared BCs containing the lowest and highest (10 and 40%) active weight ratios of ZA-Au were prepared and coded as ZA-Au-10 and ZA-Au-40, respectively. The XRD, FTIR, TEM, and SEM supported with EDX technique were used for samples characterization. Both bio-mixtures were able to induce hydroxyapatite layer after immersion into SBF for 15 days. Cytotoxic evaluation of all prepared materials indicated their safe and nontoxic nature. Both BCs showed significant improvement in their drug release profiles and rates, compared to either parent constituents (HA or ZA-Au). The total cumulative amounts of released antibiotic from ZA-Au-10 and ZA-Au-40 were 1.324 +/- 0.21 and 1.218 +/- 0.13 mg, respectively. The application of the Higuchi square root model on the drug release profiles for both BCs specified the diffusion-controlled manner for the drug elution. This novel BC will combine the high bioactivity of the nano-HA with the given strength and defined porosity of the zeolite structure, to help effectively in delivering the drug in a regular and prolonged manner. Overall, the formed novel bio-composites are cost-effective and proved to be highly efficient as a controlled drug delivery system for ciprofloxacin.

Automated summary

This study aimed to design novel bio-composite materials based on microwave-prepared AuNPs-loaded Zeolite-A and nano-hydroxyapatite for potential treatment of osteomyelitis with Ciprofloxacin. The bio-composites showed improved drug release profiles compared to their parent constituents and were found to be safe and non-toxic. The application of the Higuchi square root model indicated a diffusion-controlled drug elution for both bio-composites, showing high efficiency as a controlled drug delivery system for Ciprofloxacin.