Synthesis and characterization of doxycycline-loaded magnetic nanocomposite with enhanced bactericidal activity

Doxycycline-loaded Fe2O3-chitosan-trisodium citrate nanocomposite has been developed by mechanical alloying of the precursor powders with specific molar ratios. This drug-loaded nanocomposite has been characterized by techniques like Rietveld refinement of the XRD pattern, FTIR spectrum analysis, TEM image analysis, EDS spectra analysis, and elemental mapping analysis. After the confirmation of successful synthesis of the nanocomposite and drug loaded nanocomposite (D-NC sample), the antibacterial activity of the D-NC has been determined by agar cup assay and MIC study. The comparative analysis with the pure drug confirms the significant enhancement of the activity of the drug after its loading within the nanocomposite. According to the results obtained from those experimental studies, only 10 mol% drug shows a similar bactericidal effect as 100 % drug when it is attached to the nanocomposite. This confirms the successful formation of nanomedicine with reduced side effects and enhanced bactericidal efficacy.