Application of meglumine for the solubilization of an alginic acid polymer and drug, the synthesis of hydroxyapatite, and the electrophoretic co-deposition

This investigation is inspired by multifunctional properties and biocompatibility of meglumine (ML) for new applications in colloidal processing of materials. The application of ML as both an alkalizer and capping agent enabled the fabrication of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles. The morphologies of HA nanoparticles prepared using ML alkalizer/capping agent or an inorganic alkali are compared. The use of ML allowed particle size reductions and offers multiple processing and environmental benefits. The feasibility of solubilization of alginic acid (ALH) biopolymer and glycyrrhetinic acid (GAH) drug in water using ML is demonstrated. For the first time, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of ALH and GAH from their solutions is performed. The solubilization and EPD mechanisms are discussed, and the film deposition yield is analyzed. The use of ML as alkalizer, solubilizer, capping and dispersing agent facilitates the fabrication of ALH-GAH, ALH-HA, ALH-silica, and ALH-titania films by EPD. Changes in the EPD bath composition allows for the variation of the composition and microstructure of the films. The benefits of the suggested method for colloidal processing of composites are discussed. The use of ML opens an avenue for synthesis of other inorganic nanomaterials of controlled size, nanoparticle dispersion, solubilization, and EPD of other polymers, drugs, and composites.Graphical abstract