Novel characterization of the interaction between EVF drug and TiO2

It is vital to characterize the physiochemical properties of medicinal medications and nanomaterials to comprehend and forecast their interactions. This work deals with complimentary analytical techniques to assess the interaction between efavirenz (EFV) and TiO2 NPs employed as an analytical nano-vehicle. It appears that EFV is enclosed around TiO2 NPs based on an increase in the EFV-TiO2 complex's UV absorbance and a mean radius of gyration (rg) of 45 nm of the EFV-TiO2 complex obtained utilizing asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4 MALS), which supports the encapsulation of efavirenz around the TiO2 NPs associated with agglomerated particles. From the TD-DFT calculations, a -5.23 and -4.28 eV energy band gap was obtained for EFV and EFV-TiO2 NPS accordingly. Furthermore, electrochemical impendence spectroscopic (EIS) revealed a decreased Rct, Rs and Cdl values in the complex in contrast to TiO2 NPs alone, suggesting impedance due to polarization resulting from greater presence of ions at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The values of n and phase angles for EFV, TiO2 NPs and EFV-TiO2 complex were < 1 and 900 respectively, suggesting a non-perfect capacitive nature. TiO2 NPs displayed a low dielectric loss and a long relaxation period (2.346), ascribed to weak coupling strength and lesser responsiveness of molecular dipoles to reach the electric field. From a regulatory context, understanding the physiochemical behaviour of EFV and TiO2 NPs in aqueous medium is important to the fundamental research involving physiological interaction of drugs with nanoparticles.

Automated summary

This research study focuses on the interaction between efavirenz (EFV) and TiO2 NPs using complementary analytical techniques. The results indicate that EFV is encapsulated around TiO2 NPs, as evidenced by increased UV absorbance and a larger mean radius of the EFV-TiO2 complex. Additionally, EIS measurements reveal reduced impedance in the complex, suggesting polarization due to increased ion presence. Understanding the physiochemical behavior of EFV and TiO2 NPs in aqueous medium is crucial for research on the physiological interactions of drugs with nanoparticles.