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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Visualization of Bacterial Resistance using Fluorescent Antibiotic Probes
Published on: March 2, 2020
[Study on the interaction of levofloxacin and MCM-41 by fluorescence spectrum]
Yuan Cao1, Qing-hua Yuan, Zhi-ning Xia
1Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China. CaoYuan@cqu.edu.cn
Abstract:
The mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41 was synthesized by hydrothermal method under microwave irradiation and the levofloxacin was encapsulated in the hexagonal ordered channels of MCM-41 using pickling process. The structure and property of MCM-41 and LVFX/MCM-41 were characterized by means of small-angle X-ray diffraction(XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), N2 physical adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The pore diameter and the specific surface area of the mesoporous molecular sieve MCM-41 synthesized under microwave irradiation were 2.382 nm and 1015 m2 x g(-1) respectively. The fluorescence spectra of MCM-41, LVFX/MCM-41, LVFX (solid) and LVFX (solution) were investigated. The results indicated that there were some visible red shifts in the fluorescence spectrum of the composite of LVFX/MCM-41 as compared with the samples before being encapsulated. It was inferred from the results that hydrogen bonds were formed between levofloxacin and the hydroxy group in the inner pores, and the electron cloud could transfer from the hydroxy group to electro-attracting group. At the same time, the electron cloud could transfer in much larger annulations, and the conjugated system of LVFX was extended because of the new annulations formed, which contributed to the red shifts of the fluorescence spectra. The strong interactions between the LVFX and MCM-41 provided the theory for developing a novel delayed release drug using MCM-41 as the carriers.
Insights
Mesoporous MCM-41 synthesized via microwave irradiation efficiently encapsulates levofloxacin. This novel drug delivery system shows potential for delayed release applications due to strong interactions and spectral shifts.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Mesoporous materials like MCM-41 offer high surface area for drug encapsulation.
- Levofloxacin (LVFX) is a widely used antibiotic requiring effective delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize MCM-41 using microwave irradiation and encapsulate levofloxacin.
- To characterize the synthesized material and drug-loaded composite.
- To investigate the interaction between levofloxacin and MCM-41 for drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal synthesis of MCM-41 under microwave irradiation.
- Levofloxacin encapsulation using a pickling process.
- Characterization via XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption, TGA-DTA, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- MCM-41 exhibited a pore diameter of 2.382 nm and a surface area of 1015 m²/g.
- Encapsulation of levofloxacin in MCM-41 resulted in red shifts in fluorescence spectra.
- Evidence of hydrogen bonding and extended conjugation in levofloxacin within MCM-41.
Conclusions:
- Strong interactions between levofloxacin and MCM-41 were confirmed.
- The developed LVFX/MCM-41 composite shows promise for novel delayed-release drug formulations.
- Microwave-assisted synthesis offers an efficient route to high-surface-area MCM-41 for drug delivery.
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