Phytoterapic inhalatory formulation containing Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) coville and Libidibia ferrea against respiratory pathogens

• Grant number: 21/12937-3
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Rodney Alexandre Ferreira Rodrigues
• Grantee: Rodney Alexandre Ferreira Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Centro Pluridisciplinar de Pesquisas Químicas, Biológicas e Agrícolas (CPQBA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Paulínia , SP, Brazil

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, lower respiratory tract infections are the fourth death cause worldwide. When caused by bacteria, they can be treated with antimicrobial drugs. Unfortunately, at the latest decades, an important matter about the bacteria can be highlighted: their emerging resistance to antibiotics. In this subject, the development of plant-based medicines can be a useful strategy, since they present a biocomplex nature where a variety of molecules can attack multiples structures on the pathogens. The objective of this project is to develop an antibacterial medicine based on plant extracts in form of a dry powder for inhalation and evaluate its mechanism of action. Minimal inhibitory concentration, time-kill, protein extravasation, scanning electron microscopy and efflux pump inhibitor assays will be conducted to determine the extract's mechanism of action. The microparticles will be produced by spray-drying technique using a central composite design of experiments and the powders will be analyzed upon their aerodynamic, size, density, physical characteristics, and chromatographic quantification of active compounds. It is expected that both extracts exert synergic antimicrobial effect in various bacterial structures, hindering resistance, and that the particles present suitable aerodynamic properties for pulmonary delivery, being effective against bacterial pneumoniae. (AU)