Sulfonamide antibiotics embedded in high silica zeolite Y: a combined experimental and theoretical study of host-guest and guest-guest interactions

Adsorption of Carbamazepine in All-Silica Zeolites Studied with Density Functional Theory Calculations

The anticonvulsant drug carbamazepine (-) is an emerging contaminant of considerable concern due to its hazard potential and environmental persistence. Previous experimental studies proposed hydrophobic zeolites as promising adsorbents for the removal of carbamazepine from water, but only a few framework types were considered in those investigations. In the present work, electronic structure calculations based on dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT) were used to study the adsorption of CBZ in eleven all-silica zeolites having different pore sizes and connectivities of the pore system (AFI, ATS, BEA, CFI, DON, FAU, IFR, ISV, MOR, SFH, SSF framework types). It was found that some zeolites with one-dimensional channels formed by twelve-membered rings (IFR, AFI) exhibit the highest affinity towards CBZ. A "good fit" of CBZ into the zeolite pores that maximizes dispersion interactions was identified as the dominant factor determining the interaction strength. Further calculations addressed the role of temperature (for selected systems) and of guest-guest interactions between coadsorbed CBZ molecules. In addition to predicting zeolite frameworks of particular interest as materials for selective CBZ removal, the calculations presented here also contribute to the atomic-level understanding of the interaction of functional organic molecules with all-silica zeolites.

Environmental and Pharmacokinetic Aspects of Zeolite/Pharmaceuticals Systems—Two Facets of Adsorption Ability

Zeolites belong to aluminosilicate microporous solids, with strong and diverse catalytic activity, which makes them applicable in almost every kind of industrial process, particularly thanks to their eco-friendly profile. Another crucial characteristic of zeolites is their tremendous adsorption capability. Therefore, it is self-evident that the widespread use of zeolites is in environmental protection, based primarily on the adsorption capacity of substances potentially harmful to the environment, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, or other industry pollutants. On the other hand, zeolites are also recognized as drug delivery systems (DDS) carriers for numerous pharmacologically active agents. The enhanced bioactive ability of DDS zeolite as a drug carrying nanoplatform is confirmed, making this system more specific and efficient, compared to the drug itself. These two applications of zeolite, in fact, illustrate the importance of (ir)reversibility of the adsorption process. This review gives deep insight into the balance and dynamics that are established during that process, i.e., the interaction between zeolites and pharmaceuticals, helping scientists to expand their knowledge necessarily for a more effective application of the adsorption phenomenon of zeolites.

Adsorption Features of Various Inorganic Materials for the Drug Removal from Water and Synthetic Urine Medium: A Multi-Technique Time-Resolved In Situ Investigation

Pharmaceutical active compounds, including hundreds of different substances, are counted among the emerging contaminants in waterbodies, whose presence raises a growing concern for the ecosystem. Drugs are metabolized and excreted mainly through urine as an unchanged active ingredient or in the form of metabolites. These emerging contaminants are not effectively removed with the technologies currently in use, making them a relevant environmental problem. This study proposes the treatment of urine and water at the source that can allow an easier removal of dissolved drugs and metabolites. The treatment of synthetic urine, with dissolved ibuprofen as a model compound, by adsorption, using various classes of inorganic materials, such as clays, hierarchical zeolites and ordered mesoporous silica (MCM-41), is presented. A multi-technique approach involving X-ray powder diffraction, solid-state NMR, UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopies was employed to investigate the adsorption process in inorganic adsorbents. Moreover, the uptake, the ensuing competition, the efficiency and selectivity as well as the packing of the model compound in ordered mesoporous silica during the incipient wetness impregnation process were all thoroughly monitored by a novel approach, involving combined complementary time-resolved in situ ¹H and ¹³C MAS NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray powder diffraction.

Surface functionalization of zeolite-based drug delivery systems enhances their antitumoral activity in vivo

Zeolites have attractive features making them suitable carriers for drug delivery systems (DDS). As such, we loaded the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), into two different zeolite structures, faujasite (NaY) and Linde Type L (LTL), to obtain different DDS. The prepared DDS were tested in vitro using breast cancer, colorectal carcinoma, and melanoma cell lines and in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane model (CAM). Both assays showed the best results for the Hs578T breast cancer cells, with a higher potentiation for 5-FU encapsulated in the zeolite LTL. To unveil the endocytic mechanisms involved in the internalization of the zeolite nanoparticles, endocytosis was inhibited pharmacologically in breast cancer and epithelial mammary human cells. The results suggest that a caveolin-mediated process was responsible for the internalized zeolite nanoparticles. Aiming to boost the DDS efficacy, the disc-shaped zeolite LTL outer surface was functionalized using amino (NH₂) or carboxylic acid (COOH) groups and coated with poly-l-lysine (PLL). Positively functionalized surface LTL nanoparticles revealed to be non-toxic to human cells and, importantly, their internalization was faster and led to a higher tumor reduction in vivo. Overall, our results provide further insights into the mechanisms of interaction between zeolite-based DDS and cancer cells, and pave the way for future studies aiming to improve DDS anticancer activity.

Removal of p-aminobenzenesulfanilamide from water solutions by catalytic photo-oxidation over Fe-pillared clay

The catalytic photo-oxidation of p-aminobenzenesulfanilnamide (ABS) with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of Fe-pillared clay as heterogeneous catalyst has been investigated under UV-irradiation (λ_max = 254 nm). Fe-pillared clay was synthesized by intercalating the iron polyhydroxycomplexes into the interlayer space of a natural layered aluminosilicate - montmorillonite and a subsequent heat treatment at 500 °C. The catalyst was characterized by chemical analysis, low temperature nitrogen adsorption and XRD. The kinetics of photocatalytic oxidative degradation of ABS in aqueous solutions under various experimental conditions was studied. The dependence of the photo-oxidation rate on such experimental factors as pH, hydrogen peroxide concentration and catalyst content was established. The conversion of ABS was 100% and the mineralization efficiency was 52.3% at optimal conditions. The intermediate products of ABS photo-oxidation identified by HPLC were a sulfanilic acid, benzenesulfonamide, benzenesulfonic acid, hydroquinone, pyrocatechol, benzoquinone and aliphatic acids. Fe-pillared clay remained highly active in three consecutive catalytic cycles without regeneration. The results of the study suggested that the heterogeneous photo-system «Fe-pillared clay/H₂O₂/UV» was effective in the oxidative degradation of aminobenzenesulfanilnamide. This system may be of interest for use in organic wastewater treatment processes.

Removal of sulfonamide antibiotics from water by high-silica ZSM-5

Adsorption characteristics of high-silica zeolites (HSZSM-5) for two selected sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) (sulfamethoxazole and sulfadiazine) were investigated. The SAs were almost completely (>90%) removed from the water by HSZSM-5. Adsorption followed second-order kinetics with liquid-film diffusion as the dominant mechanism. SA adsorption capacity on high-silica zeolites was examined in terms of pH, temperature, and the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). HSZSM-5 had better adsorption performance in acidic conditions, and the apparent distribution coefficient indicated that SA⁰ species were the major contribution to the overall adsorption at pH of 2-10. Adsorption of SAs on HSZSM-5 was a spontaneous and exothermic physisorption process. SA removal by HSZSM-5 was a mixed mechanism through ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction. HSZSM-5 has potential application prospects in removing SAs from wastewater.

The β-cyclodextrin-modified nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite as a carrier for curcumin

Herein, the nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized based on a fractional factorial experimental design by a hydrothermal method to study the optimum conditions for the synthesis and formation of the ZSM-5 zeolite by employing different conditions. The samples were synthesized without any organic template, and different conditions, such as the molar composition of the synthesis gel and reaction time, were applied in a wide range. Then, the samples were analysed by X-ray diffraction to investigate the formation of the zeolite ZSM-5, and the results were compared to obtain the optimum conditions for its synthesis. The obtained samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR spectroscopy and TGA. Then, the functionalization of nano zeolite ZSM-5 crystals with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was investigated. The zeolite surface was first functionalized with amino groups using an amino alkoxysilane. Then, toluene diisocyanate was reacted with the amino-terminated ZSM-5 zeolite crystals and used for the incorporation of β-CD via its remaining isocyanate groups. After this, a drug delivery system (DDS) was prepared based on the cyclodextrin-modified zeolite with the curcumin anticancer drug, and its formation was studied under experimental conditions. The results of in vitro studies show that this drug delivery system has better characteristics than free curcumin in terms of stability and anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.

Herein, the nanosized ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized based on a fractional factorial experimental design by a hydrothermal method to study the optimum conditions for the synthesis and formation of the ZSM-5 zeolite by employing different conditions.

Combined solid-state NMR, FT-IR and computational studies on layered and porous materials

Understanding the structure-property relationship of solids is of utmost relevance for efficient chemical processes and technological applications in industries. This contribution reviews the concept of coupling three well-known characterization techniques (solid-state NMR, FT-IR and computational methods) for the study of solid state materials which possess 2D and 3D architectures and discusses the way it will benefit the scientific communities. It highlights the most fundamental and applied aspects of the proactive combined approach strategies to gather information at a molecular level. The integrated approach involving multiple spectroscopic and computational methods allows achieving an in-depth understanding of the surface, interfacial and confined space processes that are beneficial for the establishment of structure-property relationships. The role of ssNMR/FT-IR spectroscopic properties of probe molecules in monitoring the strength and distribution of catalytic active sites and their accessibility at the porous/layered surface is discussed. Both experimental and theoretical aspects will be considered by reporting relevant examples. This review also identifies and discusses the progress, challenges and future prospects in the field of synthesis and applications of layered and porous solids.

Nanocuboidal-shaped zirconium based metal organic framework for the enhanced adsorptive removal of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ketorolac tromethamine, from aqueous phase

Nanocuboidal-shaped zirconium based metal organic framework (UiO-66) was synthesized and used for enhanced adsorptive removal (729.92 mg g⁻¹) of ketorolac tromethamine drug.

Adsorption isotherm, kinetic and mechanism of expanded graphite for sulfadiazine antibiotics removal from aqueous solutions

The adsorption of sulfadiazine from water by expanded graphite (EG), a low cost and environmental-friendly adsorbent, was investigated. Several adsorption parameters (including the initial sulfadiazine concentration, contact time, pH of solution, ionic strength and temperature) were studied. Results of equilibrium experiments indicated that adsorption of sulfadiazine onto EG were better described by the Langmuir and Tempkin models than by the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption capacity is calculated to be 16.586 mg/g at 298 K. The kinetic data were analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle models. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and may be controlled by two steps. Moreover, the pH significantly influenced the adsorption process, with the relatively high adsorption capacity at pH 2-10. The electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are manifested to be two main mechanisms for sulfadiazine adsorption of EG. Meanwhile, the ionic concentration of Cl^- slightly impacted the removal of sulfadiazine. Results of thermodynamics analysis showed spontaneous and exothermic nature of sulfadiazine adsorption on EG. In addition, regeneration experiments imply that the saturated EG could be reused for sulfadiazine removal by immersing sodium hydroxide.

Comparison of different silica microporous structures as drug delivery systems for in vitro models of solid tumors

5-FU release profiles reveled to be dependent on the host structures. 5-FU DDS led to significant potentiation of the 5-FU effect in cancer cells.

Physicochemical regeneration of high silica zeolite Y used to clean-up water polluted with sulfonamide antibiotics

High silica zeolite Y has been positively evaluated to clean-up water polluted with sulfonamides, an antibiotic family which is known to be involved in the antibiotic resistance evolution. To define possible strategies for the exhausted zeolite regeneration, the efficacy of some chemico-physical treatments on the zeolite loaded with four different sulfonamides was evaluated. The evolution of photolysis, Fenton-like reaction, thermal treatments, and solvent extractions and the occurrence in the zeolite pores of organic residues eventually entrapped was elucidated by a combined thermogravimetric (TGA-DTA), diffractometric (XRPD), and spectroscopic (FT-IR) approach. The chemical processes were not able to remove the organic guest from zeolite pores and a limited transformation on embedded molecules was observed. On the contrary, both thermal treatment and solvent extraction succeeded in the regeneration of the zeolite loaded from deionized and natural fresh water. The recyclability of regenerated zeolite was evaluated over several adsorption/regeneration cycles, due to the treatment efficacy and its stability as well as the ability to regain the structural features of the unloaded material.

Solid-state encapsulation of Ag and sulfadiazine on zeolite Y carrier

HYPOTHESIS

A new simplified procedure for encapsulation of antibacterial silver nanoparticles by Solid-state Ion Exchange (SSIE) procedure over zeolite Y, followed by deposition of sulfadiazine (SD) by dry mixing was examined for the preparation of topical antibacterial formulations. The ion-exchange and adsorptive properties of the zeolite matrix were utilized for the bactericidal Ag deposition and loading of antibiotic sulfadiazine.

EXPERIMENTS

Assessment of the encapsulation efficiency of both active components loaded by solid and liquid deposition methods was made by X-ray diffraction, TEM, FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SD release kinetics was also determined.

FINDINGS

Sustained delivery of sulfadiazine has been observed from the Ag-modified zeolites compared to the parent HY material. It was found that if SD was loaded in solution, part of the zeolite silver ions was released and interacted with SD, forming AgSD. By solid-state SD deposition, the reaction between the drug and the silver was restricted within the limits of inter-atomic interaction, and total but prolonged drug release occurred.

Nanosized microporous crystals: emerging applications

This review highlights recent developments in the synthesis and unconventional applications of nanosized microporous crystals including framework (zeolites) and layered (clays) type materials. Owing to their microporous nature nanosized zeolites and clays exhibit novel properties, different from those of bulk materials. The factors controlling the formation of nanosized microporous crystals are first revised. The most promising approaches from the viewpoint of large-scale production of nanosized zeolites and clays are discussed in depth. The preparation and advanced applications of nanosized zeolites and clays in free (suspension and powder forms) and fixed (films) forms are summarized. Further the review emphasises the non-conventional applications of new porous materials. A comprehensive analysis of the emerging applications of microporous nanosized crystals in the field of semiconductor industry, optical materials, chemical sensors, medicine, cosmetics, and food industry is presented. Finally, the future needs and perspectives of nanosized microporous materials (zeolites and clays) are addressed.

Solid state NMR characterization of zeolite beta based drug formulations containing Ag and sulfadiazine

The paper presents an investigation of structural changes of zeolite carrier, drug–matrix interactions and localization of drug molecules within the zeolite framework in dual drug formulations with antibacterial properties.

Adsorption structures of non-aromatic hydrocarbons on silicalite-1 using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method

The adsorption structures of the various hydrocarbons on silicalite-1 are revealed experimentally using the single-crystal X-ray method.

Carboxylic modified spherical mesoporous silicas аs drug delivery carriers

The present study deals with the development and functionalization of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as drug delivery platforms. Spherical MCM-41 and SBA-15 silicas with different pore sizes (2.7 nm and 5.5 nm, respectively) were post-synthesis modified applying a new, two step process. The initial step was the modification with 3-amino-propyltriethoxysilane, and the next was the reaction with succinic anhydride in toluene in order to obtain carboxylic modified mesoporous carriers. The carboxylic-functionalized mesoporous materials were characterized by XRD, nitrogen physisorption, TEM, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy. The successful carboxylic functionalization was proved by the changes of the zeta potential of the mesoporous materials before and after modification. The parent and the carboxylic-modified MCM-41 and SBA-15 materials showed high adsorption capacity (approximately 50 wt.%, except for non-functionalized MCM-41) for sulfadiazine that possesses amino functional groups. Mesoporous structure peculiarities lead to different adsorption capacities on the carriers. In vitro release studies showed slower release rate of sulfadiazine from carboxylic modified MCM-41 and SBA-15 mesoporous particles compared to the non modified ones. Both non loaded and drug-loaded silica materials demonstrated no cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cell line. The functionalized mesoporous systems are appropriate drug delivery platforms due to their biocompatibility and the possibility to modify drug release.