Preparação e caracterização de lipossomas contendo metformina: um potencial sistema de liberação para o tratamento do câncer de mama

• Grant number: 13/03348-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2013
• End date: February 27, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Maldonado Marchetti
• Grantee: Giovanni Loureiro Raspantini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Breast Cancer is a disease with considerable impact on the world population and the search for alternative therapies for its treatment is a necessity of contemporary medicine. Moreover, this condition is not presented as a single entity but rather divided into subtypes characterized by the presence or absence of certain molecular markers - thus requiring the use of different targeted therapies. Among the options for treating this disease, the use of metformin has recently gained prominence - molecule used as antihyperglycemic agent, but with potential for treatment in breast cancer. However, this molecule has a relatively low half-life and bioavailability, which could limit its effectiveness in cancer treatment. The use of liposomes as the delivery system is very useful for employment in breast cancer. Among the advantages provided by liposomal encapsulation, the reduction of side effects, increased circulation time by the sustained drug release, protection against enzymatic degradation and increased drug concentration at the desired location are well observed. Based on the above, the objective of this proposal is the preparation of metformin-carrying liposomes by the technique of lipid film hydration and physicochemical characterization of them. We will analyze the encapsulation efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, particle surface using transmission electron microscopy, and the in vitro release profile. The results obtained with this proposal will be used in another research project that will evaluate the effectiveness of this delivery system in the treatment of breast cancer models in "in vitro" and "in vivo". (AU)