Evaluation of sustained release of protocatechuic acid derivatives using latex membrane as carrier

• Grant number: 13/13505-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2013
• End date: October 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Medical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
• Grantee: Marcelo Seiji Yamanaka
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) membrane manipulated from the latex extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, has shown great potential for biomedical applications and as biomaterials. Due to its biocompatibility and low risk of rejection, it can stimulate angiogenesis, cellular adhesion and the formation of extracellular matrix, besides acting as a mechanical barrier to infectious agents. The objective of this study will incorporate protocatechuic acid (3,4 - dihydroxybenzoic acid) on NRL membrane, and to study their behavior and their release in a sustained way, aiming the wound healing throught cicatrization and tissue regeneration. Protocathecuic acid (3,4 - dihydroxybenzoic acid) is a derivative of benzoic acid found in fruits, nuts and vegetables. Its phenolic compounds have pharmacological activities and inhibit lipid oxidation and fungi proliferation. The rate release of protocathecuic acid of the molecule-membrane complex will be monitored and analyzed by measuring the UV-VIS spectrophotometer. These membranes will be characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy associated to energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS). (AU)