Synthesis and characterization of polymeric microbeads loaded with lithium cobalt oxide nanoparticles for drug delivery and antibacterial applications

Abstract

The synthesis of biodegradable pH-responsive polymeric microbeads has high practical value for drug delivery applications. In the present study, we fabricate polymeric microbeads using sodium alginate and lithium cobalt oxide nanoparticles by an ionic-gelation technique for the controlled release of vancomycin. The developed microbeads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro and swelling studies of the developed microbeads were carried out in both intestinal (pH 6.8) and gastric environments (pH 2.0) at 37 ^oC. The drug release studies and swelling study results suggested that developed microbeads were suitable for intestinal drug delivery. The drug release mechanism and kinetics were analyzed using Korsmeyer-Peppas and kinetics models (zero order, first order, and Higuchi). The generated microbeads showed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bacillus subtilis. Our generated microbeads warrant further development as drug carriers for the delivery of bioactive agents.