Modified Silica Matrices for Controlled Release of Cephalexin

SBA-15 type ordered silicas possessing amino groups attached onto their surfaces were prepared by using two different functionalization methodologies. These matrices were used for the cephalexin adsorption from aqueous solution and further kinetic study of its release into physiological solution. The materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/ desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) and thermo analytical methods (TG/DSC). UV–visible spectroscopy at 262 nm was used for quantitative determination of cephalexin present in liquid media. Results reveal that drug adsorption capacities and the corresponding release profiles are dependent on the number of loaded amino groups and their location, which in turn is determined by the functionalization procedure used. It was concluded that amino post-functionalization could enhance long-term cephalexin delivery in comparison with co-functionalization procedure.