Preparation of titania-hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles as a potential drug carrier for ibuprofen

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a natural calcium apatite mineral. Hydroxyapatite has many applications in the field of biomedicine and drug delivery systems. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is becoming increasingly important because of its potential use in new medical treatments. In this study, titania-hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles were evaluated as a potential drug carrier for ibuprofen.

Titania-hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticles (titania-HAP) with two different titania weight ratios (30 and 70 wt%) were prepared and loaded with ibuprofen (IBU) as a pain reliever drug. The composites were studied as potential carriers of ibuprofen by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyzes, energy dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Cytotoxicity of nanocomposites was investigated in vitro on osteosarcoma cell line by MTT assay. 

The functional groups were investigated by FTIR. Size and morphology of samples were evaluated by FESEM and TEM. Chemical composition and phase formation were confirmed by EDX and XRD patterns. Based on the results of MTT assay, no significant effect was observed on MG-63 cell lines. TGA was used to determine the amount of ibuprofen loaded on the composites.

Ibuprofen release was studied in neutral and acidic simulated media by ultraviolet–visible (UV-visible) spectroscopy and the results showed better sustained release of the drug in acidic medium. Titania-hydroxyapatite composite nanoparticle can have a good potential for medicinal applications.