Discipline: Chemistry and Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: Chemistry (not Biochemistry)
Simone Stanley - Howard University
Co-Author(s): Salam Titinchi and Hanna Abbo, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
Zeolites have unique features, such as their 3D stable microstructure, channels and cavity systems, high surface areas and most importantly, lack of cytotoxicity. These non-toxic crystalline materials offer advantages in their use compared to the polymeric materials utilized in current pharmaceutical products. This study investigates synthetic crystallines, as vehicles for drug encapsulation. We hypothesize that Zeolite Y (NaY) will improve drug efficiency by promoting slow drug release over time. Synthetic NaY was used to encapsulate a known antibacterial, Sulfanilamide. Drug loading was performed by synthetic chemistry and confirmed with Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additional computational chemistry studies were conducted to confirm the loading of the NaY based on kinetic models and geometry optimization models. Current in vitro assays aim to characterize the drug release profile of the NaY-Sulfanilamide complex. These studies may lead to the development of innovative means for controlled drug release, which may have direct applications in biomaterials, medicine, and pharmacy.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This study was supported by the Global Education and Awareness Research Undergraduate Program (GEAR-UP) at Howard University and hosted in Dr. Titinchi’s laboratory at the University of Western Cape in Bellville, South Africa.
Faculty Advisor: Stacie Gregory, staciegregory2@gmail.com
Role: I performed the drug loading of the synthetic zeolite. I performed the characterization (FTIR and SEM) with the assistance of Graduate Students. I performed the computational chemistry calculations with open source software. I collected the drug release samples from the in vitro assays for characterization.