title: Release kinetics of anti-inflammatory drug, and characterization and bioactivity of SiO₂+PCL hybrid material synthesized by  sol-gel processing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Controlled and local drug delivery systems of anti-inflammatory agents are drawing increasing attention thanks to their possible pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. These systems have extended therapeutic effects and reduced side effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-step sol-gel process was used to prepare organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on silica (SiO2)  and poly-ε-caprolactone, containing ketoprofen for controlled drug delivery applications. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis proved formation of H-bonds among the carbonyl groups of the polymer chains and Si-OH group of the inorganic matrix. X-ray diffraction analysis highlighted the amorphous nature of the synthesized materials. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope topography showed their homogeneous morphology and nanostructure nature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The bioactivity of the synthesized hybrid materials was shown by the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of samples soaked in a simulated body fluid (SBF).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Release kinetics in SBF were subsequently investigated by means of UV-VIS spectroscopy. A large amount of drug release occurred during the first few hours, then a slower drug release supplied a maintenance dose until the end of the experiment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Second University of Naples, Aversa, Caserta - Italy.
authors.forename: Michelina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Catauro
authors.forename: Flavia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bollino
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D004058:Diffusion; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D008422:Materials Testing; D044367:Phase Transition; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D007660:Ketoprofen