Hydroxyapatite and Silicon-Modified Hydroxyapatite as Drug Carriers for 4-Aminopyridine

Abstract

Adsorption and desorption properties of nano-hydroxyapatite (HAP) and silicon-modified hydroxyapatite (Si–HAP) were investigated with 4-aminopyridine (fampridine-4AP). The novelty of this research is the investigation of the suitability of the previously mentioned carriers for drug-delivery of 4AP. UV-VIS spectrophotometric results showed that the presence of silicon in the carrier did not significantly affect its adsorption capacity. The success of the adsorption was confirmed by thermal analysis (TG/DTA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Drug release experiments, performed in simulated body fluid (SBF), revealed a drug release from Si–HAP that was five times slower than HAP, explained by the good chemical bonding between the silanol groups of the carrier and the 4AP functional groups. The electrochemical measurements showed a value of the polarization resistance of the charge transfer (Rct) more than five times smaller in the case of Si–HAP coating loaded with 4AP, so the charge transfer process was hindered. The electrochemical impedance results revealed that electron transfer was inhibited in the presence of 4AP, in concordance with the previously mentioned strong bonds. The silicon substitution in HAP leads to good chemical bonding with the drug and a slow release, respectively.