Obtention of crosslinked hybrid films from xanthan gum and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate for controlled drug delivery

Modification of natural polymers with inorganic molecules is a good alternative to develop new hybrid materials by biomedical applications, taking advantage of its inherent properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and low cost. In this work, films of xanthan gum (XG) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMPS) were crosslinked by gamma radiation in solid state, and their potential application as drug delivery system loading narrow- and broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin and ciprofloxacin) were studied. The parameters evaluated in the crosslinking process were dose and TMPS concentration, obtaining the highest crosslinking percentage at 15 kGy and 200% TMPS. The incorporation of silane compound was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal analysis (TGA), indicating that reticulation process was successful carried out and TMPS was incorporated of material. Also, swelling behaviour, contact angle and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) of crosslinked films were evaluated, showing materials with good porosity and hydrophilicity. The studies of drug delivery displayed excellent results for vancomycin, loading 110 mg g ^-1 approximately and releasing more of 95%, while ciprofloxacin was able to load until 4 mg g ^-1 and released 80%.