Structural Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Antibiotic Streptomycin Immobilized on Zeolite Synthesized from Natural Kaolinite

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of antibacterial activities for a zeolite A (ZEO) sample loaded with streptomycin (STR). The ZEO was synthesized from kaolinite (KAO) via the alkaline hydrothermal process and verified with various techniques, such as X-ray Diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and dispersion behavior to confirm the production of ZEO with high purity and reproducibility. The cubic framework of ZEO was maintained after the immobilization of STR, indicating STR molecules' adsorption on the ZEO surface. The STR-loaded ZEO (ZS) samples were prepared in three STR concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg/L). The samples' antibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion technique and minimum inhibition concentration against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 11229) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538). Both bacteria were susceptible to ZS, which showed an antibacterial effect directly proportional to the STR concentration. Thus, the synthesized ZEO synthesized from natural KAO had a good prospect as a carrier system for STR for generating a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity.