The use of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IMNP) in medical and pharmaceutical areas dates to the beginning of the 1970s, as carriers. Some other uses to these nanoparticles are in vitro separation, magnetic resonance imaging and drug targeting agent. Many preparations containing IMNP have been described and used in drug delivery, hyperthermia, in vitro separation, tissue repair, cellular therapy, for magnetic separation, magnetic resonance imaging, as spoilers for magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and more recently as sensors for metabolites and other biomolecules. The use of these nanostructures as antibacterial agents has also been reported, which could kill some bacteria species causing no damage to the human host cells. Recently, they have been used as hyperthermia agents to treat infections or cancer, which are more susceptible than the healthy host's cells. Engineering designs, physiochemical characteristics, biomedical applications of IMNP, toxicity and magnetic nanotoxicology have been discussed. However, the application of IMNP as antimicrobials is very important. Thus, this review explores the therapeutic activities of IMNP and their use as antimicrobial agents. These nanoparticles can be efficient for the treatment of microbial infections, probably acting as membrane permeability enhancer, damaging the cell wall or by generating reactive oxygen species.

Propolis is an inhibitor of Candida virulence factors and represents an innovative alternative to fight candidiasis.

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Emulgels are obtained by the entrapment of an organic phase within a three-dimensional network built by hydrophilic molecules. Polymers based on cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) have been utilized as gel matrices, improving adhesiveness, rheological and mechanical performance. Propolis (PRP) produced by Apis mellifera L. bees displays a wide range of biological activities. Together with curcumin (CUR), they may show synergic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial action on skin disorders. This work investigated the effect of vegetable oils (sweet almond, andiroba, and passion fruit) with regard to the physicochemical properties of emulgels composed of Carbopol 934P®, Carbopol 974P®, or polycarbophil aiming the CUR and PRP delivery. Physicochemical stability enabled the selection of systems containing passion fruit or andiroba oil. Mechanical and rheological characteristics provided rational comprehension of how vegetable oils and bioactive agents affect the structure of emulsion gels. All formulations exhibited high physiochemical stability and properties dependent on the polymer type, oil, and bioactive agent. Formulations displayed pseudoplastic, thixotropic and viscoelastic properties. Emulgels containing andiroba oil were the most stable systems. Carbopol 934P® or polycarbophil presence resulted in formulations with improved smoothness and mechanical properties. Systems containing andiroba oil and one of these two polymers are promising for further investigations as topical delivery systems of CUR and/or PRP on the skin and mucous membranes.

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