Layered double hydroxide and microwave assisted functionalized carbon based nanocomposites as controlled release vehicle for antibiotics

In this work, the preparation of new composite from layered double hydroxide (LDH) and surface modified carbon (AC) was elaborated. The basic carbon was obtained by carbonizing Ipomoea carnea stems at 500 degrees C. The LDH compound was furthermore intercalated with antibiotic molecule norfloxacin (NOR). The chemically activated functionalized carbon particles had surface negative charge which helped in intense interaction with LDH basal positive charges. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by powder XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM with EDS, TGA, Zeta potential and BET surface specific area. Powder XRD and SEM studies proved that LDH was deposited over the AC surface homogeneously. The increase of the basal spacing from 0.78 nm to 1.33 nm indicated that not all LDH sheets were intercalated by NOR. Additionally, the water dispersional stability test has shown remarkable advantage compared to simple LDH. The thermal analysis results further showed a good improvement of NOR stability after intercalation into AC-LDH nanocomposite. The release behavior of NOR from the nanocomposite and its antibacterial activity were also investigated. The gradual release of NOR from AC-LDH-NOR nanocomposite suggests its prospective application as an effective delivery system for prolonged drug release.