Abstract
beta-cyclodextrin functionalized zeolite-A (beta-CD/ZA) was synthesized and characterized as a potential carrier for Levofloxacin with enhanced loading, release, and anti-inflammatory properties. The LVC loading capacity of beta-CD/ZA and zeolite-A is 363.4 mg/g and 244.7 mg/g respectively and this enhancement is related to the enrichment in the density of the active site after the functionalization process (Nm = 160 mg/g (beta-CD/ZA) and 104.6 mg/g (zeolite-A)). Based on the steric (n = 2.26) and energetic (Delta E = -16.83 kJ/mol) parameters of the advanced equilibrium studies, the loading of LVC occurred as two or three ions per each active site by physical (<40 kJ/mol) and multimolecular mechanism in parallel orientation. The classic equilibrium investigation declared Pseudo-First order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm demonstrating homogenous and monolayer loading properties. Additionally, the thermodynamic investigation reflects the spontaneous and exothermic loading of LVC into beta-CD/ZA. The LVC release profile of beta-CD/ZA exhibits long, slow, and continuous release properties for 200 h. Based on the release kinetics results (Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas), the LVC release process is controlled essentially by the diffusion mechanism and in addition to minor effects for the erosion mechanism. The LVC loaded beta-CD/ZA particles exhibit enhanced anti-inflammatory properties against the production of cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) within human bronchial epithelia cells (NL20).