Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Rifampicin-loaded Silver-starch Nanocomposite for the Treatment of Multi-resistant Tuberculosis

Isimi Christianah, Asha Rodrigues, Okafor Ijeoma, Okoh Judith, Aboh Mercy and Emeje Ma rtins Ochubiojo

Extraction, purification and synthesis of acetylated cassava starch was undertaken. The degree of modification for the acetylated (modified) starch was calculated to be 0.03. Physicochemical indices interrogated were all significantly (P<0.05) affected by the acetylation. Microstructural studies revealed starches that were predominantly polygonal in shape. The FTIR results confirmed introduction of an acetyl group with a new band at 1728 cm-1. The results further show that, the modification did not degrade the granule morphology, but x-ray pattern showed increased crystallinity in the acetylated derivative. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed 2 phase decomposition of both starches and improved gelation capacity with new peaks respectively. Rifampicin (RIF) loaded starch-stabilized silver nanoparticles yielded good mean particle size (248 nm), polydispersity index (0.276) and zeta potential (18.68 mV). There was a significant (P<0.01) sustained release of RIF from the nano formulations up to 14.0 h. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests show that, the nano formulation exhibited good antimicrobial activity. It is therefore concluded that, acetylated cassava starch could be a good stabilizer and vehicle for drug delivery.