Comparative study of the mesoporus matrix of underutilized African arrow root lilly as platform for imbedding nano silver and zinc oxide materials for antibacterial and drug delivery systems

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Materials Science & Engineering

October 06-08, 2014 Hilton San Antonio Airport, USA

Ofoegbu O, Nnamonu L A, Eneji I S and Shaato R

Accepted Abstracts: Material Sci Eng

Abstract :

Native starch (NS) material obtained from African arrowroot Lilly was modified with monochloroacetic acid, steric acid, sodium stearate and ammonium phosphate in a bid to obtain a fat replacer. The modification using monochloroacetic acid was found to give the best material as good matrix with available nano mesopores for impregnation. The modified native starch (MNS) matrix was employed in the synthesis of nano silver modified starch (NSMS) and nano zinc oxide modified starch (NZOMS) systems where the MNS served as nano particle stabilizer, capping agent as well as the mesoporous structural support. The NSMS and NZOMS materials were characterized by XRD, UV-VIS spectrophotometer and FTIR instrumentation. The materials were also used against pathogenic micro organisms (E. Coli., S. aureus, P. Subtilis). The result of the XRD and UV-VIS analysis shows the nano size nature of the imbedded silver and Zinc oxide materials while the FTIR spectra highlights the presence of the COOH, OH and other functional groups as contained within the matrix of the MNS. The result of the antimicrobial test gave excellent antimicrobial activity for both NZOMS and NSMS towards the test organisms. The biocompatibility status of the MNS and the fact that it is obtained from an underutilized but rich source (relatively higher protein content) of starch material, presents the material as a value added carbohydrate-based polymer for effective drug delivery application with a multi-faceted utility end use which can be applied in a biological environment.

Biography :

Ofoegbu O is a lecturer with the department of Chemistry, university of Agriculture Makurdi Nigeria. He has over thirteen (13) years experience working as a research Chemist with the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria where he headed the department of Industrial and Environmental Technology. He is a Doctoral candidate with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria. He is a chartered chemist and belongs to reputable professional bodies like the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Polymer Institute of Nigeria, Material Society of Nigeria and International Solid Waste Association amongst others. He has over 40 international and national conference paper presentations with more than 15 peer reviewed journal publications..