Chitosan–clay Composites as Potential Carriers for Tetracycline: Influence of Polymer–clay Mass Ratio

In this study, the preparation and characterization of chitosan–clay composites prepared at different polymer–clay mass ratios, were performed as potential carriers for tetracycline hydrochloride. The composites based on bentonite (from Beretnica deposit, Republic of Serbia) and low molecular weight chitosan were prepared. Adsorption of tetracycline was investigated at the different initial concentrations (0.5 – 1 mg/mL) at pH 3.4. Characterization of the chitosan–clay composites before and after adsorption of tetracycline was performed by determination of the zeta potential and by FTIR spectroscopy. The characterization results confirmed the presence of polymer and tetracycline on the clay surface. The amounts of adsorbed antibiotic were influenced by the polymer–clay mass ratio, i.e. the presence of chitosan in the composites.