Matéria Evaluation of zinc oxide nanoparticles influence on hydrophilic polymer matrix systems

Abstract

Hydrophilic polymer matrix systems (HPMSs) are a highly relevant tool for drugs delivery whose bioavailability
is impaired by low hydrosolubility. Besides this, when associated with nanoparticles these systems can
provide better control over release profile of the active drug, maintaining the posology. Since polyvinylpyrrolidone
(PVP) and zinc oxide (ZnO) are safe materials for use in the human body, we studied the effects of
ZnO nanoparticle ratios on the characteristics of PVP matrix. For that purpose, nanocomposites were prepared
by solution casting method and characterized by X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared
(FTIR), Thermal Gravimetric Analyses (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction
(XDR) and Low-field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) technique, using relaxometry. We also
analyzed the effects of the system on two broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs. The characterization results of
the new materials indicate good interaction of the nanoparticles with the polymer, and this fact suggests that
these new materials may have a retarding effect on drug release. The results also showed no disruptive interaction
of the matrix system important to the action of the antimicrobials.
Keywords: Polymer, Nanotechnology, Drug delivery, ZnO.