Preparation and characterization of Lecithin-heparin intercalated in montmorillonite nanocomposite

In this work, a study of Lecithin-heparin intercalated in montmorillonite was performed in order to synthesize an antithrombogenic hybrid. The hybrid of montmorillonite (Mt)/Lecithin-heparin (LEC-HEP) was synthesized by the intercalation method under mechanical stirring. The composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and C, H, and N elemental analyses, zeta potentials, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. The d(001)-value was increased by LEC-HEP intercalation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy also confirmed the intercalation of Lecithin-heparin into Mt interlayer space. In vitro release study of the antithrombogenic drug-Mt intercalates in phosphate buffer saline (pH 7.4) media at 37 degrees C was investigated. The heparin showed an initial burst effect for 24 h and then continuously released for 30 d. In-vitro blood compatibility of the Mt/LEC-HEP was carried out via hemolysis assay. The Mt/LEC-HEP exhibited hemolysis below 5% which is permissible for biomaterials. These modified materials have the potential for being used as blood contact materials.