Cellulose is among the top 5 excipients used in the pharmaceutical industry. It has been considered one of the main diluents used in conventional and modern dosage forms. Therefore, different raw materials of plant origin have been evaluated as potential alternative sources of cellulose. In this context, Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller (palma forrageira), a plant of the cactus family that has physiological mechanisms that provide greater productivity with reduced water requirements, is an interesting and unexplored alternative for extracting cellulose. By using this source, we aim to decrease the extraction stages and increase the yields, which might result in a decreased cost for the industry and consequently for the consumer. The aim of this work was to investigate the use of Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller as a new source for cellulose extraction, therefore providing an efficient, straight forward and low-cost method of cellulose II production. The extraction method is based on the oxidation of the lignins. The obtained cellulose was identified and characterized by spectroscopic methods (FTIR and NMR), X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (TGA-DTG and DSC) and scanning electron microscopy. The results confirmed the identity of cellulose and its fibrous nature, which are promising characteristics for its use in the industry and a reasonable substrate for chemical modifications for the synthesis of cellulose II derivatives with different physicochemical properties that might be used in the production of drug delivery systems and biomaterials.
Background: The oral route is the most frequently used and the most convenient route of drug administration, since it has several advantages, such as ease of use, patient compliance and better cost-effectiveness. However, physicochemical and biopharmaceutical limitations of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) hinder suitability for this route, including degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, low intestinal permeability and low bioavailability. To overcome these problems, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy, polymeric nanoparticles have attracted considerable attention for their ability to increase drug solubility, promote controlled release, and improve stability. In addition, the functionalization of nanocarriers can increase uptake and accumulation at the target site of action, and intestinal absorption, making it possible to obtain more viable, safe and efficient treatments for oral administration. Objective: This systematic review aimed to seek recent advances in the literature on the use of polymeric nanoparticles functionalization to increase intestinal permeability of APIs that are intended for oral administration. Method: Two bibliographic databases were consulted (PubMed and ScienceDirect). The selected publications and the writing of this systematic review were based on the guidelines mentioned in the PRISMA statement. Results: Out of a total of 3036 studies, 22 studies were included in this article based on our eligibility criteria. The results were consistent for the application of nanoparticle functionalization to increase intestinal permeability. Conclusion: The functionalized polymeric nanoparticles can be considered as carrier systems that improve the intestinal permeability and bioavailability of APIs, with the potential to result, in the future, in the development of oral medicines.
INTRODUCTION: Morus nigra L. has industrial relevance due to the presence of specialized metabolites, which possess pharmaceutical potential in various parts and preparations. This review presents updated information on traditional, phytochemical, and pharmacological applications, as well as toxicity data, pertaining to different parts of Morus nigra L.. METHOD: Phytochemical research and ethnobotanical studies were conducted using reviewed databases. Mulberry leaves have demonstrated several biological activities, attributed to the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Stems and roots contain additional compounds such as stilbenes and benzofurans. Morus nigra L. exhibits various biological activities, including hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, skin whitening, cytotoxic, antiatherosclerotic, and antiobesity effects. The choice of extraction technique and plant part is crucial to obtain a diverse range of compounds necessary for specific indications RESULT: Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) has proven to be the most advantageous method compared to supercritical fluid maceration and extraction (SFE), yielding a wide variety of compounds. CONCLUSION: Overall, this review aims to provide scientists and companies interested in Morus nigra L. with opportunities and challenges for innovation in this field.
Background: Dexamethasone (DEXA) is a potent synthetic corticosteroid derived from the cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene nucleus known for its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities. Due to its therapeutic effects, several analytical methods have been used for its quantitative determination and for physicochemical characterization, as well as for evaluation of pharmacological and toxicological properties. Objective: This review was aimed to describe the principles and methods commonly used to identify and quantify DEXA in drug delivery systems and biological samples. The methods herein discussed are high performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry and thin layer chromatography. Conclusion: This review provided a wide variety of analytical methods that can be used for the quantification and identification of drugs, providing scientists with great support during the development of scientific research, as well as ensuring the quality of the manufacturing processes as well as of the resulting products. Therefore, the use of such analytical methods has become critical throughout the process of developing pharmaceutical formulation containing DEXA.
This study aimed to develop films of chitosan (CSF) associated with pentoxifylline (PTX) for healing cutaneous wounds. These films were prepared at two concentrations, F1 (2.0 mg/mL) and F2 (4.0 mg/mL), and the interactions between the materials, structural characteristics, in vitro release, and morphometric aspects of skin wounds in vivo were evaluated. The formation of the CSF film with acetic acid modifies the polymeric structure, and the PTX demonstrates interaction with the CSF, in a semi-crystalline structure, for all concentrations. The release for all films was proportional to the concentration, with two phases: a fast one of ≤2 h and a slow one of >2 h, releasing 82.72 and 88.46% of the drug after 72 h, being governed by the Fickian diffusion mechanism. The wounds of the mice demonstrate a reduction of up to 60% in the area on day 2 for F2 when compared to CSF, F1, and positive control, and this characteristic of faster healing speed for F2 continues until the ninth day with wound reduction of 85%, 82%, and 90% for CSF, F1, and F2, respectively. Therefore, the combination of CSF and PTX is effective in their formation and incorporation, demonstrating that a higher concentration of PTX accelerates skin-wound reduction.
Doutor em Engenharia e Gestão do Conhecimento (UFSC). Pós-Doutor em Gestão do Conhecimento (UFSC). Docente, pesquisado e orientador do Programa de Pós-graduação em Educação da Universidade Alto Vale do Rio do Peixe (UNIARP).
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