Oxidized Porous Silicon Nanoparticles Covalent-Bonded with Levofloxacin in Hydrogel Polymer as a Drug Delivery System

Oxidized porous silicon (OPS) nanoparticles covalent-bonded with levofloxacin in hydrogel polymer are prepared and used to measure the efficiency for the controlled release drug delivery. Levofloxacin is covalently bonded to a Si–OH surface of OPS nanoparticles by catalytic condensation. The average size of these particles is about 100 nm. Since levofloxacin has a fluorescence property, the release of levofloxacin has been measured by fluorescence spectrometer. The quantity of levofloxacin release from the OPS nanoparticles is measured at the emission wavelength at 455 nm with an excitation wavelength of 330 nm on a time scale in pH 7 aqueous buffer solution. The analysis of release profile reveals that the OPS covalently bonded with levofloxacin (Levo-OPS) exhibits a great potential candidate for controlled release. The drug-release rate depends on the hydrolysis of silyl ester from the surface of OPS nanoparticles.