Title
Preparation and characterization of ciprofloxacin loaded silk fibroin and graphene composite antibacterial film
Authors
RAKESH MUTHA, VISHAL SHRIRAO, SOPAN NANGARE and GANESH PATIL

Received October 3, 2024
Published Volume 59 Issue 5-6 May-June
Keywords silk fibroin, graphene, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, antibacterial, composite film

Abstract
The present research work focuses on the development of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CF)-loaded silk fibroin (SF) and graphene (G) composite antibacterial films (CF@SF-G). In brief, the structural analysis, conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealed the incorporation of CF, SF, G, and glycerol. It ensured the formation of a silk II crystal structure with a β sheet conformation in all SF composite films. The composite films were fabricated by incorporating inorganic ‘G’ as a filler and glycerol as a plasticizer to enhance mechanical properties. A comprehensive characterization of the films was conducted, which included assessments of thickness, folding endurance, mechanical strength, swelling index, drug content, moisture content, moisture absorption, water vapor permeability, antibacterial activity, and in vitro drug release and permeation characteristics. Here, the results demonstrated that the addition of ‘G’ and glycerol to the CF@SF-G film (B-2) pointedly improved the mechanical properties of the SF composite films, as well as their moisture absorption, antibacterial activity, and in vitro release profile of CF, all of which are beneficial for wound healing. The B-2 sample exhibited superior elongation at break and flexibility compared to the pure SF films, which can be attributed to the reinforcing effects of ‘G’ and glycerol. Additionally, the B-2 composite films demonstrated good antibacterial activity, without compromising drug efficacy. In the future, such SF-based films can be used to reduce the risk of infection at the wound site and accelerate the wound healing process.