Structural and interfacial characterization of ciprofloxacin-loaded starch/HPMC sepiolite nanocomposite films

This study is designed to synthesize drug-loaded polymer nanocomposites based on starch and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) natural polymers reinforced with sepiolite clay mineral by a polymer solution casting procedure. Sepiolite clay is used to ensure the thermal and mechanical properties of the film. Ciprofloxacin is a second generation, broad-spectrum antibacterial drug. It is commercially available in suspension and tablet forms. Polymer-clay interactions are a very useful approach to change the physiochemical and thermal properties of drug-loaded films, with the major takeaway being that optimized composition and dispersion enhance the performance, providing a foundation for the rational design of novel nanocomposites. Various formulations of these nanocomposite films have been developed with the objectives of being antibacterial, renewable, biodegradable and biocompatible. These nanocomposites have diverse applications in the packaging, medical, food and pharmaceutical industries. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed that the weight residues of drug-loaded nanocomposites have higher thermal stabilities than non-drug-loaded composites. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) showed the elemental composition of the mixed components. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the amorphous and crystalline nature of the starch and HPMC. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to examine the compatibility of the polymers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the better adhesion, distribution and dispersion of the drug and clay particles. This approach not only benefits the scientific community by understanding interactions but also catalyzes further research towards efficient, cost-efficient and multifunctional biomedical material development.