Surfactant Modified Zeolites –adsorbents for Mycotoxins and Carriers of Drugs

The potential of surfactant modified zeolites as adsorbents for mycotoxins and as carrier of the pharmaceutical drugs was investigated. Ochratoxin A OCHRA (mycotoxin) and diclofenac sodium DS (anti-inflamatory drug) were used as model substances. Surface of the clinoptilolite was modified with different amounts of quaternary ammonium ions (hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium HDTMA or octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium – ODMBA). For mycotoxin experiments, the amounts of surfactant at the zeolite surface were less and/or equal to the external cation exchange capacity (ECEC) of the zeolitic tuff, while for adsorption of drug, surfactant was added in amounts equal and/or above of the ECEC of the zeolitic tuff. Results showed that presence of organic cations at the zeolite surface increased adsorption of both OCHRA and DS. Their adsorption increased with increasing the amount of organic cations at the zeolitic surface.