Antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties of an extract from coffee pulp for the development of a phytocosmetic.

Consumer demand for natural, chemical-free products has grown. Food industry residues, like coffee pulp, rich in caffeine, chlorogenic acid and phenolic compounds, offer potential for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Therefore, the objective of this work was to develop a phytocosmetic only with natural products containing coffee pulp extract as active pharmaceutical ingredient with antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing activity. Eight samples from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora Pierre were analyzed for caffeine, chlorogenic acid, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, cytotoxicity, antibacterial activity, and healing potential. The Robusta IAC-extract had the greatest prominence with 192.92 µg/mL of chlorogenic acid, 58.98 ± 2.88 mg GAE/g sample in the FRAP test, 79.53 ± 5.61 mg GAE/g sample in the test of total phenolics, was not cytotoxic, and MIC 3 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus. This extract was incorporated into a stable formulation and preferred by 88% of volunteers. At last, a scratch assay exhibited the formulation promoted cell migration after 24 h, therefore, increased scratch retraction. In this way, it was possible to develop a phytocosmetic with the coffee pulp that showed desirable antioxidant, antimicrobial and healing properties.

Exploring Bacterial Cellulose and a Biosurfactant as Eco-Friendly Strategies for Addressing Pharmaceutical Contaminants.

Aquatic environments face contamination by pharmaceuticals, prompting concerns due to their toxicity even at low concentrations. To combat this, we developed an ecologically sustainable biosurfactant derived from a microorganism and integrated it into bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate BC's efficacy, with and without the biosurfactant, as a sorbent for paracetamol and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water. We cultivated BC membranes using Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 and synthesized the biosurfactant through pre-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in a synthetic medium. Subsequently, BC membranes were immersed in the biosurfactant solution for incorporation. Experiments were conducted using contaminated water, analyzing paracetamol concentrations via spectrophotometry and EE2 levels through high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicated BC's superior adsorption for EE2 over paracetamol. Incorporating the biosurfactant reduced hormone adsorption but enhanced paracetamol sorption. Notably, original and freeze-dried BC exhibited better adsorption efficacy than biosurfactant-infused BC. In conclusion, BC showed promise in mitigating EE2 contamination, suggesting its potential for environmental remediation. Future research could focus on optimizing biosurfactant concentrations to enhance sorption capabilities without compromising BC's inherent effectiveness.

Protective effect of Agaricus bisporus mushroom against maternal and fetal damage induced by lead administration during pregnancy in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Lead (Pb) is a toxic pollutant, which can affect different tissues of the human body. The use of natural elements, as medicinal mushroom can reduce the toxic effects of Pb. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated, through preclinical tests, the oral co exposures to mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Ab) by gavage and Pb in drinking water, and the capability of Ab be a protective agent for both pregnant rats and their fetuses. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): Group I-Control; Group II-Ab 100 mg/kg; Group III-Pb 100 mg/L; Group IV-Ab +Pb -100 mg/kg +100 mg/L. Exposure was performed until the 19th day of gestation. On the 20th day, pregnant rats were euthanized, and the outcomes evaluated were weight gain; hematological profile; biochemical markers; oxidative stress markers; reproductive capacity; and embryo fetal development. RESULTS: The characterization of mushrooms reveals them to be a valuable source of nutrients. However, Pb ingestion resulted in reduced weight gain and negative impacts on hematological and biochemical parameters. Fortunately, co administration of mushrooms helped to mitigate these negative effects and promote recovery. The mushroom also showed antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. In addition, Ab partially recovered the damage in fetal morphology and bone parameters. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the co administration of Ab improved the toxicity caused by Pb, and the mushroom could be used as a natural alternative as a protective/chelator agent.

Nanotechnology as a tool to overcome macromolecules delivery issues.

Nanocarriers can deliver drugs to specific organs or cells, potentially bridging the gap between a drug's function and its interaction with biological systems such as human physiology. The untapped potential of nanotechnology stems from its ability to manipulate materials, allowing control over physical and chemical properties and overcoming drug-related problems, e.g., poor solubility or poor bioavailability. For example, most protein drugs are administered parenterally, each with challenges and peculiarities. Some problems faced by bioengineered macromolecule drugs leading to poor bioavailability are short biological half-life, large size and high molecular weight, low permeability through biological membranes, and structural instability. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising strategy to overcome these problems. Nevertheless, the delivery system should be carefully chosen considering loading efficiency, physicochemical properties, production conditions, toxicity, and regulations. Moving from the bench to the bedside is still one of the major bottlenecks in nanomedicine, and toxicological issues are the greatest challenges to overcome. This review provides an overview of biotech drug delivery approaches, associated nanotechnology novelty, toxicological issues, and regulations.

Evolution of Bacterial Cellulose in Cosmetic Applications: An Updated Systematic Review.

In recent decades, there has been an increase in environmental problems caused by cosmetic products derived from toxic substances. Based on this issue, researchers and developers of new beauty cosmetics are looking for new natural alternatives that work well for the consumer and have biodegradable characteristics. This systematic review highlights the major publications of bacterial cellulose used strictly for cosmetics in the last 10 years. Bacterial cellulose is a natural product with great cosmetic properties and low cost that has shown excellent results. This study aimed at collecting rigorous information on bacterial cellulose in the cosmetic field in the last decade to produce a systematized review. A comprehensive search was conducted with selected descriptors involving the topic of "bacterial cellulose", "cosmetics", "clean beauty", and "skin mask". Seventy studies were found, which went through exclusion criteria that selected only those related to the topic that was searched. In the 12 remaining studies that met the criteria, bacterial cellulose showed conditions for use as a mask-forming product for facial care. The increase in the number of publications concerning bacterial cellulose in cosmetics in the last ten years is a strong indicator that this is a growing area for both research and the industry.

Development and Evaluation of an Antimicrobial Formulation Containing Rosmarinus officinalis.

Rosmarinus officinalis belongs to the Lamiaceae family, and its constituents show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antinociceptive, and antibacterial properties. The aim of this study was to develop a topical formulation with R. officinalis extract that had antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Maceration, infusion, Soxhlet, and ultrasound were used to produce rosemary extracts, which were submitted to antioxidant, compound quantification, cell viability, and antimicrobial assays. Infusion and Soxhlet showed better results in the DPPH assay. During compound quantification, infusion showed promising metabolite extraction in phenolic compounds and tannins, although maceration was able to extract more flavonoids. The infusion and ultrasound extracts affected more strains of skin bacteria in the disk diffusion assays. In the minimum inhibitory concentration assay, the infusion extract showed results against S. aureus, S. oralis, and P. aeruginosa, while ultrasound showed effects against those three bacteria and E. coli. The infusion extract was chosen to be incorporated into a green emulsion. The infusion extract promoted lower spreadability and appropriated the texture, and the blank formulation showed high levels of acceptance among the volunteers. According to the results, the rosemary extract showed promising antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and the developed formulations containing this extract were stable for over 90 days and had acceptable characteristics, suggesting its potential use as a phytocosmetic. This paper reports the first attempt to produce an oil-in-water emulsion using only natural excipients and rosemary extract, which is a promising novelty, as similar products cannot be found on the market or in the scientific literature.

Ganoderma lucidum Modulates Glucose, Lipid Peroxidation and Hepatic Metabolism in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Pregnant Rats.

The consumption of functional foods, such as mushrooms, apparently influences Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), and brings benefits to maternal-fetal health. Ganoderma lucidum contains a variety of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols that are able to control blood glucose and be used in anti-cancer therapy. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the consumption of Ganoderma lucidum (Gl) on maternal-fetal outcomes in streptozotocin-induced GDM (GDM-STZ). Pregnant rats were exposed to Gl (100 mg/kg/day) before and after the induction of GDM-STZ (single dose 40 mg/kg) on the eighth pregnancy day. Biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reproductive performance and morphometry of fetuses were assessed. Gl reduced the glycemic response in the oral glucose tolerance test. Moreover, Gl decreased AST and ALT activities. GDM increased lipid peroxidation, which was reverted by Gl. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in GDM and the administered Gl after the fetus implantation increased catalase activity. Measurements of the fetal head, thorax, craniocaudal and tail showed greater values in fetuses from rats exposed to Gl compared to GDM. Ganoderma lucidum has an encouraging nutritional and medicinal potential against GDM, since it modifies glucose metabolism, reduces lipid peroxidation, and has protective effects in fetuses born from GDM dams.

Biochar from fungiculture waste for adsorption of endocrine disruptors in water.

The agricultural residues are ecofriendly alternatives for removing contaminants from water. In this way, a novel biochar from the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was produced and assessed to remove endocrine disruptor from water in batch and fixed-bed method. SMS were dried, ground, and pyrolyzed. Pyrolysis was carried out in three different conditions at 250 and 450 °C, with a residence time of 1 h, and at 600 °C with a residence time of 20 min. The biochar was firstly tested in a pilot batch with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and progesterone. The residual concentrations of the endocrine disruptors were determined by HPLC. The biochar obtained at 600 °C showed the best removal efficiency results. Then, adsorption parameters (isotherm and kinetics), fixed bed tests and biochar characterization were carried out. The Langmuir model fits better to progesterone while the Freundlich model fits better to EE2. The Langmuir model isotherm indicated a maximum adsorption capacity of 232.64 mg progesterone/g biochar, and 138.98 mg EE2/g biochar. Images from scanning electrons microscopy showed that the 600 °C biochar presented higher porosity than others. In the fixed bed test the removal capacity was more than 80% for both endocrine disruptors. Thus, the biochar showed a good and viable option for removal of contaminants, such as hormones.

Alginate-amphotericin B nanocomplexes covered by nanocrystals from bacterial cellulose: physico-chemical characterization and in vitro toxicity.

Nanocomplexes systems made up natural poylymers have pharmacotechnical advantages such as increase of water solubility and a decrease of drugs toxicity. Amphotericin B (AmB) is a drug apply as anti-leishmanial and anti-fungal, however it has low water solubility and high toxicity, limiting its therapeutic application. With this in mind, the present study aimed to produce nanocomplexes composed by alginate (Alg), a natural polymer, with AmB covered by nanocrystals from bacterial cellulose (CNC). For this reason, the nanocomplexes were produced utilizing sodium alginate, amphotericin B in a borate buffer (pH 11.0). The CNC was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of the bacterial cellulose. To CNC cover the nanocomplexes 1 ml of the nanocomplexes was added into 1 ml of 0.01% CNC suspension. The results showed an ionic adsorption of the CNC into the Alg-AmB nanocomplexes surface. This phenomena was confirmed by an increase in the particle size and PDI decrease. Besides, nanocomplexes samples covered by CNC showed uniformity. The amorphous inclusion of AmB complex into the polysaccharide chain network in both formulations. AmB in the nanocomplexes was in supper-aggregated form and showed good biocompatibility, being significantly less cytotoxic in vitro against kidney cells and significantly less hemolytic compared to the free-drug. The in vitro toxicity results indicated the Alg-AmB nanocomplexes can be considered a non-toxic alternative to improve the AmB therapeutic effect. All process to obtain nanocomplexes and it coat was conduce without organic solvents, can be considered a green process, and allowed to obtain water soluble particles. Furthermore, CNC covering the nanocomplexes brought additional protection to the system can contribut advancement in the pharmaceutical.

Royal Sun Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes) as a Functional Food in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Before and After Fetus Implantation.

Through preclinical tests, this study evaluated the effects of Agaricus brasiliensis consumption in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and considered its potential as a functional food. The perinatal period was evaluated considering the daily exposure to A. brasiliensis before and after GDM induction (Abb and Aba, respectively). Nutritional characterization of A. brasiliensis was performed (centesimal composition, ß-glucans, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity). Concerning maternal reproductive development, the parameters assessed were maternal weight, oral glucose tolerance, hemogram, biochemical markers, redox status in blood, biochemical markers in amniotic fluid, and reproductive performance. Moreover, embryofetal development was evaluated. A. brasiliensis reduced hyperglycemia before STZ induction and maintained levels similar to the GDM group after STZ induction. A. brasiliensis also reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels and increased high-density lipoprotein levels. The mushroom also presented antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it protected the conceptus from actions promoted by STZ concerning external abnormalities. Thus, daily intake of A. brasiliensis in GDM suggests its potential as a functional food because the nutritional characterization of this mushroom indicated important antioxidant activity, improving lipid and glycemic functions and preventing oxidative damage from STZ.

Lentinula edodes mushroom as an ingredient to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of cereal bars.

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is the second most cultivated edible mushroom in the world; it has low lipid contents, high protein and it is source of vitamins and minerals. This study aimed to develop and to evaluate two sweet and two salty food bars containing shiitake. The binder elements were heated and then the dried elements were added. The bars were shaped, and the sensorial test was accomplished with hedonic scale of 9 points for analysis of texture, aroma, taste and appearance, and a 5-point scale for buying intention. The centesimal composition included percentages of moisture content, ashes, lipids, proteins and carbohydrate contents. Chemical elements of shiitake were quantified by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence. Glucans were determined using a commercial kit. Phenolic compounds were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The shelf life was evaluated by microbiological control, up to 180 days, at temperatures of 25 °C and 37 °C. The sweet bar 1 (SwB1) had better sensory analysis and buying intention. Shiitake showed high concentrations of calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, manganese, phenolic compounds and glucans. SwB1-bar maintained shiitake nutritional characteristics. SwB1-bars did not present microorganisms for up to 180 days of shelf life, neither at 25 °C nor at 37 °C, and they followed the standards determined by National Health Surveillance Agency. Sweet bars are an easy marketing alternative due to their stability, low-cost of production and good acceptance, as well as flexibility to add other functional ingredients beneficial to health, such as shiitake.

Determination of 17α-ethinylestradiol and toxic metals in surface waters, and estimation of daily intake.

The presence of substances such as hormones and toxic metal in aquatic ecosystem is interesting to the scientific community due to their adverse effects. We quantified 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and toxic metals in the surface waters from Sorocaba and Pirajibu Rivers, in São Paulo State, and we estimated the daily intake for hormone, based on the amount of water consumed. EE2, Cd, Hg, As, Pb, and Mn were seasonally quantified in six different locations along the rivers. EE2 was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Toxic metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Considering the entire sample year, EE2 concentrations ranged from 4.5 to 48.2 µg L-1. Comparing Sorocaba and Pirajibu rivers, the sample point in the entrance of the Pirajibu River through the city of Itu, São Paulo State, had higher amounts of EE2. Regarding metals, all results are according to the Brazilian and World Health Organization guidelines for drinking-water quality, except for Mn levels, which were higher than the limits in Autumn season in two locations. The estimated daily intake ranged from 13.45 to 40.9 µg/day/person. In conclusion, concentrations of EE2 in the Sorocaba and Pirajibu Rivers were higher than in other countries. The levels were as high as an intake of one pill for each person every day (considering an oral contraceptive has 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol). Even though concentrations of toxic elements are in accordance with the Brazilian Regulation and World Health Organization, legislation for hormones and drugs needs to advance.

Effect of Polysaccharide Sources on the Physicochemical Properties of Bromelain-Chitosan Nanoparticles.

Bromelain, a set of proteolytic enzymes potential pharmaceutical applications, was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles to enhance enzyme stability, and the effect of different chitosan sources was evaluated. Chitosan types (i.e., low molecular weight chitosan, chitosan oligosaccharide lactate, and chitosan from shrimp shells) produced nanoparticles with different physicochemical properties, however in all cases, particle size and zeta potential decreased, and polydispersity index increased after bromelain addition. Bromelain encapsulation was higher than 84% and 79% for protein content and enzymatic activity, respectively, with low molecular weight chitosan presenting the highest encapsulation efficiency. Nanoparticle suspension was also tested for accelerated stability and rheological behavior. For the chitosan-bromelain nanoparticles, an instability index below 0.3 was recorded and, in general, the loading of bromelain in chitosan nanoparticles decreased the cohesiveness of the final suspension.

Flavonoid-Enriched Plant-Extract-Loaded Emulsion: A Novel Phytocosmetic Sunscreen Formulation with Antioxidant Properties.

The aim of this study was to develop a phytocosmetic sunscreen emulsion with antioxidant effect, containing a blend of flavonoid-enriched plant extracts. In vitro sun protection factor, antioxidant activity, skin irritation, photostability, cutaneous permeation, and retention of flavonoids were evaluated. Thermodynamically stable emulsions were obtained and tested for sensorial analysis after loading the blend of extracts. The selected emulsion was stable when stored at low temperatures (5 C), for which after 120 days the concentration of quercetin and rutin were above their limit of quantification, i.e., 2.8 ± 0.39 µg/mL and 30.39 ± 0.39 µg/mL, respectively. Spreadability, low rupture strength and adhesiveness were shown to be similar to a conventional topical product. Higher brittleness, pseudo-plastic, and viscoelastic behaviors were also recorded for the developed phytocosmetic sunscreen. The product presented a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and ultraviolet rays A and B (UVA/UVB) rate of 0.78, confirming that the developed formulation shows capacity for UVA/UVB protection, protecting skin against damages caused by Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Rutin was shown to permeate the skin barrier and was also quantified in the stratum corneum (3.27 ± 1.92 µg/mL) by tape stripping and retention test (114.68 ± 8.70 µg/mL). The developed flavonoid-enriched phytocosmetic was shown to be non-irritant to skin by an in vitro assay. Our results confirm the antioxidant activity, sun protection, and physical properties of the developed phytocosmetic for topical application.

Biosorption of pharmaceutical products by mushroom stem waste.

Residues from pharmaceutical products are found in effluents and in other environmental matrices such as soil and surface waters. Chitin and chitosan are highly adsorptive substances present in mushrooms such as champignon (Agaricus bisporus) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes). This study evaluated the adsorption efficiency of shiitake and champignon stalks, and shiitake substrate in water contaminated with paracetamol and 17 α-ethynyl estradiol (EE2). Stalks and substrate were dried and ground. Particles were physically evaluated and chemically characterized. Adsorption kinetic and isotherms were carried out for EE2 and paracetamol. Shiitake and champignon stalks had high percentage of porosity, closed and open pores. All bioproducts from mushroom had chemical groups similar to chitosan standard. However, the degree of deacetylation of chitosan was higher in shiitake (28.3%). In EE2 adsorption kinetics, shiitake and champignon stalks showed 100% removal in 20 and 30 min, respectively. Shiitake substrate showed 80% removal. In paracetamol adsorption kinetics, all bioproducts presented more than 95% removal. In EE2 adsorption isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) to shiitake and champignon stalks and shiitake substrate were 5.62, 18.95 and 0.31 mgEE2/g, respectively. For paracetamol adsorption isotherm, qmax to shiitake and champignon stalks were 34.20 and 338.08 mgparacetamol/g, respectively. In conclusion, shiitake and champignon stalks (specially champignon) had the best results regarding the adsorption of EE2 and paracetamol. Reuse of discarded mushroom waste reduces the environmental impact and can add value to the product.

Laboratory animal welfare: environmental enrichment shows positive effect on animal testing / Bem-estar animal em laboratório: enriquecimento ambiental apresenta efeito positivo na experimentação animal

Reproductive and developmental toxicology has focused on the need to approach the effects of organism exposure to various drugs during pregnancy after the mid-50's, when the thalidomide tragedy stroke humanity. In recent decades, this area of study has developed a lot due to animal testing, raising awareness on the need to improve the quality of life of such animals. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate how the science of animal welfare can improve scientific research as a whole, including the reproductive and developmental toxicology fields, by emphasizing environmental enrichment in animal facilities. To do so, we conducted an integrative literature review on several quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches that are applicable to toxicology studies. Here, we present evidence that environmental enrichment improves animal welfare and prevents or reduces the negative effects of captive housing, which must be a principle of toxicological research for ethical, legal and scientific reasons.(AU)

Na toxicologia da reprodução e do desenvolvimento, a atenção necessária foi dada aos efeitos da exposição do organismo às inúmeras drogas durante o período gestacional somente após a metade dos anos 50, quando a tragédia da talidomida atingiu a humanidade. Assim, esta área alcançou desenvolvimento científico com a contribuição da experimentação animal nas últimas décadas. O uso de animais de laboratórios para a pesquisa científica expôs a necessidade de melhorar a qualidade de vida destas espécies. Portanto, este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar como a ciência do bem-estar animal pode melhorar a pesquisa científica como um todo, incluindo na área de toxicologia da reprodução e de desenvolvimento, enfatizando o enriquecimento ambiental em biotérios. Uma revisão integrativa de literatura foi realizada, incluindo abordagens quantitativas e qualitativas, quais podem ser aplicadas para estudos de toxicologia. Aqui, são mostradas evidências de que o enriquecimento ambiental melhora o bem-estar animal e previne ou reduz os efeitos negativos do cativeiro, qual deve um princípio da pesquisa toxicológica por razões éticas, argumentos legais e garantias científicas.(AU)

Behavior and biocompatibility of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with bacterial cellulose membrane.

BACKGROUND: Tissue engineering has been shown to exhibit great potential for the creation of biomaterials capable of developing into functional tissues. Cellular expansion and integration depends on the quality and surface-determinant factors of the scaffold, which are required for successful biological implants. The objective of this research was to characterize and evaluate the in vitro characteristics of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) associated with a bacterial cellulose membrane (BCM). We assessed the adhesion, expansion, and integration of the biomaterial as well as its ability to induce macrophage activation. Finally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and toxicity of the BCM. METHODS: Samples of rabbit bone marrow were collected. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from medullary aspirates to establish fibroblast colony-forming unit assay. Osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation was performed. Integration with the BCM was assessed by scanning electron microscopy at 1, 7, and 14 days. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the production of nitric oxide, and BCM toxicity was assessed with the MTT assay; phagocytic activity was also determined. RESULTS: The fibroblastoid colony-forming unit (CFU-F) assay showed cells with a fibroblastoid morphology organized into colonies, and distributed across the culture area surface. In the growth curve, two distinct phases, lag and log phase, were observed at 15 days. Multipotentiality of the cells was evident after induction of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Regarding the BM-MSCs' bioelectrical integration with the BCM, BM-MSCs were anchored in the BCM in the first 24 h. On day 7 of culture, the cytoplasm was scattered, and on day 14, the cells were fully integrated with the biomaterial. We also observed significant macrophage activation; analysis of the MTT assay and the concentration of nitric oxide revealed no cytotoxicity of the biomaterial. CONCLUSION: The BCM allowed the expansion and biointegration of bone marrow progenitor cells with a stable cytotoxic profile, thus presenting itself as a biomaterial with potential for tissue engineering.

Association of Silver Nanoparticles and Curcumin Solid Dispersion: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties.

The last century, more precisely after 1945, was marked by major advances in the treatment of infectious diseases which promoted a decrease in mortality and morbidity. Despite these advances, currently the development of antimicrobial resistance has been growing drastically and therefore there is a pressing need to search for new compounds. Silver nanoparticles (AgNps) have been demonstrating good antimicrobial activity against different bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Curcumin (CUR) extracted from rhizomes of Curcuma longa has a variety of applications including antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial agent. The association between silver nanoparticles and curcumin in a formulation can be a good alternative to control infectious diseases due the antimicrobial properties of both compounds. The objective of this work was to develop a formulation composed of a thermoresponsive gel-with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties due to the association of AgNps with PVP and PVA polymers. After AgNp synthesis, these were incorporated together with the previously prepared CUR/P407 (1:2) solid dispersion (SD) into a polymer dispersion of 20% P407 (thermosensitive gel). Our results showed that the association between the AgNps with CUR SD demonstrated good antioxidant activity as compared to the standard compound. Measures of MIC showed more efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) than for Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). This association enhances antimicrobial activity against E. coli and P aeruginosa and added antioxidant value in formulations.

Bacterial Nanocellulose Loaded with Bromelain: Assessment of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Physical-Chemical Properties.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has desirable properties for wound healing such as high purity, good shape retention, and high water binding capacity. Bromelain is a protease found in pineapple tissues and has been applied in several fields, it has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, promotes cell apoptosis, amongst others. In this work, a BNC based device for the controlled release of bromelain was developed. BNC were submersed in sterilized bromelain solution and incubated at 25 °C under 100 rpm for 24 h. Physical-chemical properties, protein concentration, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were measured. Results demonstrate that BNC could improve bromelain antimicrobial activity 9 times. Those findings allow concluding that bromelain is a promising molecule to be incorporated into BNC's. The BNC's characteristics seem to represent a new promising delivery system of the loaded biomolecule, and protected from external actions.

Bromelain Loading and Release from a Hydrogel Formulated Using Alginate and Arabic Gum.

An ideal wound dressing ensures a moist environment around the wound area and absorbs exudates from the wound surface. Topical application of bromelain to incised wounds has been shown to reprogram the wound microenvironment to promote effective tissue repair. Combining the characteristics of hydrogels and bromelain is therefore of great interest. Herein, we describe the development of a hydrogel, formulated using alginate and Arabic gum, for bromelain loading and release. The hydrogel formulation was evaluated using response surface methodology, considering the pH value and the concentration of alginate and Arabic gum. Bromelain loading and release were evaluated based on passive diffusion. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to confirm bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel. The final hydrogel formulation had a swelling ratio of 227 % and incorporated 19 % of bromelain from a bromelain solution. Bromelain immobilization in the hydrogel was the result of hydrogen bond formation and was optimal at 4 °C after 4 h of contact. This evidence suggests that bromelain entrapment into a hydrogel is a promising strategy for the development of wound dressings that support the debridement of burns and wounds.