Two polysaccharides (cellulose and chitosan) and polyurethane dissolved in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride represented the matrix for the obtainment of new composite formulations comprised of lignin, ferrite-lignin hybrid and ketoconazole. The mechanical performances (Young's modulus and compressive strength) increased with the filler addition. The nature of the filler used in the studied formulations influenced both bioadhesion and mucoadhesion parameters. It was found that the incorporation of lignin and ferrite-lignin hybrid into the matrix has influenced the in vitro rate of ketoconazole release, which is described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. All materials exhibited activity against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922) bacteria.
Keywords: cellulose; chitosan; composites; drug delivery; ionic liquids; lignin; polyurethane.