Si/Polymer/Natural Drug Materials Prepared by Sol–Gel Route: Study of Release and Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new class of versatile silica‐based materials for medical applications, synthesized via the sol–gel method. Different molecules are incorporated into the silica matrix to improve its biological properties and to use these materials as better‐performing implants. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is added to silica‐based materials to improve biocompatibility, increase hydrophilicity, and enhance cellular adhesion and growth. The effect of loading the silica/PEG matrix with chlorogenic acid (CGA), a natural compound present in different types of plants, is investigated to understand how the material is affected. The interactions among different components in the hybrid materials are studied by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, the materials are encapsulated in 2% w/v of alginate to evaluate the different releases of CGA, using UV‐Vis Spectrophotometer. Finally, antimicrobial assessment against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa of the several hybrids is observed by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition.