Abstract
Zn–Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were synthesized by a chemical method, while polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated by an electrospinning approach; we also synthesized Zn–Al LDH/cefotaxime (cefotax), Zn–Al LDH@PVA, and Zn–Al LDH/cefotax@PVA (LCP). Characterizations were performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis techniques, dynamic light scattering, X ray-florescence, and carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen (CHN) analyses. The adsorption isotherm of cefotax and its entrapment percentage, release, and kinetics were also investigated. The results confirmed the elemental constituents of the mentioned formulas, which exhibited different degrees of crystallinity and different morphologies. Besides, these formulas were tested in vitro as antimicrobial agents and applied in vivo against second-degree wound burns induced in rats' skin. The adsorption of cefotax occurred chemically, and the experimental data were fitted with different isotherm models, where the Freundlich and Toth models gave the best fits. The entrapment percentage in LDH/cefotax was 77.41% and in LDH/cefotax@PVA, it was 67.83%. The sustained release of cefotax from LDH and LCP was attainable; the release percentages were 89.31% and 81.55% in up to 12 h, respectively. The release kinetics of cefotax from LDH fitted well with first-order kinetics, while that for LCP was parabolic. The formulas showed uneven antimicrobial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; the best effect was exhibited by Zn–Al LDH/cefotax@PVA due to its sustained release. Finally, investigating the possibility of using these formulas in the clinical setting should be considered.
Highlights
Human skin is the most important and the largest organ of the human body.[1]
The current antibiotics can substantially enhance the process of wound recovery, they cannot reach the infected area in their active form and at a sufficiently effective concentration; besides, they may incur some issues such as toxicity and resistance
The layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are very sensitive when used as drug carrier in acidic media unless they are covered with a polymer lm, which preserves them from degradation in acidic media; this is a eld where new insights are still required and more research work needs to be undertaken.[20]
Summary
It is essential to realize that burn wound infection is one of the factors that can lead to mortality and morbidity.[9]. It is well known that cefotax has signi cant antibacterial potential toward Grampositive and Gram-negative bacteria[10] and against various infections such as those of the respiratory tract, skin, joint, and bone.[11] The short half-life of cefotax and the high resistance of b-lactamase against cefotax limit its use in clinical settings.[12] To. enhance the efficacy of cefotax, it is essential to control or to sustain its release at the site of infection. The high adsorption ability of LDH enhanced the entrapment efficiency and stability against light degradation, which maintained the release of cefotax; besides, Zn–Al hydrotalcite avoided skin reaction and supported removal of the in ammatory exudates. The LDHs are very sensitive when used as drug carrier in acidic media unless they are covered with a polymer lm, which preserves them from degradation in acidic media; this is a eld where new insights are still required and more research work needs to be undertaken.[20]
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