Synthesis of modified pseudoboehmite for use in drug delivery systems

Abstract

The sol-gel process is a methodology for preparation of porous ceramics, vitreous and crystalline materials from molecular precursors. In this process a lattice of oxides can be made by reaction of inorganic materials. This reaction occurs in solution and the name sol-gel is used to describe the synthesis of inorganic oxides obtained in solution. Using the sol-gel process is possible to obtain high purity grade pseudoboehmite which in this project will be used in drug delivery systems. The utilization of nanostructure high performance materials in the production of smart drugs is a reality and the nano particles present a very important role in the drug delivery systems for the human treatment. Nanostructures materials made with ceramics with high specific surface area and polymers with different properties, incorporated in bioactive molecules, represent a significant advance in the pharmaceutical sciences and will play important role in the production of drugs less toxic and more efficient. This project of research deals with the utilization of a pseudoboehmite matrix treated with octadecylamine for release of glucantime®. Glucantime® is considered first-line drug in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Their efficacy and toxicity are thought to be related to their content of pentavalent antimony. The purpose of using pseudoboehmite in this drug delivery system is to reduce the concentration of the drug in the administration. The octadecylamine will be tested as a coupling agent for the pseudoboehmite-drug system. (AU)