Development of membranes containing k-carrageenan microspheres loaded with açaí extract

• Grant number: 24/02161-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Priscila Gava Mazzola
• Grantee: Priscila Gava Mazzola
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/06228-2 - Development of polysaccharide membrane containing plant extract for pressure Ulcer treatment, AP.R
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/17505-2 - DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBRANES CONTAINING ¿-CARRAGEENAN MICROSPHERES LOADED WITH AÇAÍ EXTRACT, BP.JD

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin or tissue that generally occur as a result of other diseases that lead to loss of patient's mobility, who becomes bedridden, leading to pressure in a specific area and decreased blood circulation. In this context, it is essential to develop new formulations for topical use for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, aiming relieving pain, preventing microbiological contamination, in addition to more efficient and low-cost healing. Although numerous pharmacological activities of the açaí seed have already been described in the literature, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and skin cell proliferation activities, the stability of natural extracts when added to formulations remains a challenge. Therefore, the present project aims to develop carrageenan microspheres containing açaí seed extract and their incorporation into polysaccharide membranes, aiming to develop a topical formulation for the treatment of pressure ulcers. The microspheres and membranes will be characterized regarding mass and thickness uniformity, encapsulation efficiency and açaí extract release profile, mechanical and mucoadhesion properties, in vitro disintegration, morphology, and swelling degree. (AU)