[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

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.