Synthesis and characterization of layered double hydroxides with activity of therapeutic interest

Abstract

This project aims to add functionality to double hydroxides (LDHs) through the insertion, in its layers, of gallium or copper metal ions, which antimicrobial activity is well known. LDH materials will be synthetized by coprecipitation method at constant and appropriated pH values, to isolate LDHs with general formula [MII0,67MIII0,33(OH)2]Am0,33/m.nH2O, where MII is magnesium, zinc or copper, MIII is aluminum or gallium and A is an anion with m electric charge. Synthetic parameters will be evaluated to isolate phases with high crystallography purity. The materials will be characterized by X-ray diffractometry, chemical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry (TGA-MS), specific area measurements, measurement of mean particles size and Zeta potential, infrared vibrational spectroscopy and Raman, and electronic microscopy. In vitro assays to evaluate antimicrobial activity will be performed by Kirby Bauer's adapted method, while in vitro experiments to analyze the material's biocompatibility will be performed by intramuscular implantation technique. All biological tests will be performed in collaboration work with Drs. Ana Maria Liberatore and Prof. Ivan Koh, from Laboratório de Cirurgia Experimental of Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). (AU)