Modification of WS2 nanosheets with beta-cyclodextrone and N-isopropylacrylamide polymers for tamoxifen adsorption and investigation of in vitro drug release

In this research, tungsten disulfide (WS₂) nanosheets were modified with beta-cyclodextrone (βCD) N-isopropylacrylamide polymers (NIPAAP) for adsorption of tamoxifen (TAM) drug. The synthesized WS₂/βCD/NIPAAP samples were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The adsorption experiments of TAM on WS₂/βCD/NIPAAP were performed as a function of pH, reaction contact time, temperature and drug concentration. The adsorption kinetic data were well fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. Also, the equilibrium data were well described by Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity of WS₂/βCD/NIPAAP for TAM drug was found to be 62.0 mg/g. The results of regeneration tests showed that the synthesized WS₂/βCD/NIPAAP adsorbent can be easily reused after 6 cycles of adsorption–desorption. Furthermore, TAM drug release was investigated in a simulated system with pH 7.4 at different temperatures. The results showed that the release of TAM drug from WS₂/βCD/NIPAAP carrier at 50 °C and 37 °C was greater than TAM release at 25 °C. Also, the experimental data of drug release were studied by Higuchi, Ritger-Peppas, zero-order and first-order models. The release data were well fitted to the zero-order model indicating a case II transport. The results showed a high stability for TAM drug.