Use of gamma-alumina nanoparticles for drug delivery system for releasing acyclovir

Abstract

The sol-gel process is a method for preparing porous ceramics, vitreous and crystalline materials from molecular precursors. In this process, a lattice of oxide compounds is made through reaction of inorganic materials in aqueous solution. The sol-gel process may be used to produce nanoparticles of pseudoboehmite, which are employed in drug delivery systems, production of nanocomposites and in the synthesis of gamma-alumina [1,2,3]. The firing of pseudoboehmite produces pure gamma-alumina [4,5]. The use of nanoparticles in drug delivery systems is advantageous because it prevents repeated doses and also decreases the amount of drug intake, which not only enhance the therapeutic effect, but also reduces the risks of plasma concentration reaching toxic levels. The use of synthetic nanoparticles have attracted great interest for applications in drug delivery systems. Pure gamma-alumina obtained from pseudoboehmite is a synthetic aluminum compound with excellent adsorbent properties. In this work, gamma-alumina was obtained through pseudoboehmite firing to be used for in vitro release of acyclovir. The gamma-alumina was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TG), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) using secondary electron detector and EDS detector. The release profile was obtained by UV/Vis spectroscopy for in vitro analysis. The results indicate gamma-alumina is appropriate for release of acyclovir.