Preparation and characterization of clay/imidazole derivatives nanocomposites

Abstract

This diploma thesis is focused on the preparation and characterization of organoclay nanocomposite materials based on imidazole (IM) and its derivative metronidazole (ME), which is antibiotic drug used predominantly for treatment of intestinal and periodontal diseases. Altogether four series of organoclay mineral samples were prepared. In the first two cases clay mineral vermiculite (VER) was used as the supporting matrix just as further clay mineral bentonite (BEN) was used. The structure of prepared samples was characterized by the X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). Furthermore, the content of organic carbon was determined in the nanocomposite samples by multiphase carbon and hydrogen/moisture analyzer. Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites was tested against bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and it was evaluated by finding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC).