Evaluation of formulations based on silk fibroin and insulin for topical treatment of ocular wounds

• Grant number: 14/19018-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez
• Grantee: Camila Cubayachi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The human cornea integrity is fundamental for normal vision besides being a barrier and providing the first line of defense against the external ambient. Thus, rapid healing after an injury to the cornea is crucial to its function maintenance. In normal physiological conditions, the onset of the cornea healing process is fast, however, some diseases like diabetes could cause a delay in this process. Presently, there is no effective and safe treatment for corneal wounds. Insulin has been studied for wound healing, but its topical administration requires a delivery system capable of mantaining its stability and providing a sustained release at the site to be regenerated. The delivery system must be biocompatible and preferably also aiding in the healing process. Silk fibroin is a natural polymer that has been studied as a support for wound healing. The objective of this project is to develop formulations based on silk fibroin containing insulin and evaluate its potential for the topical treatment of ocular wounds. The formulations will be characterized by their visual appearance, thickness (in the case of films), degree of swelling, mechanical and mucoadhesive properties. The integrity of the insulin will be measured by immunoassay. In vitro studies of cytotoxicity, drug release and drug permeation through porcine cornea will be performed. Also, the most promising formulations will be evaluated for their potential in wound healing of the cornea by ex vivo healing studies in pig corneas and in vivo in mice with corneal wounds. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

CUBAYACHI, CAMILA; LEMOS, CAMILA NUNES; PEREIRA, FRANCIELI; DIAS, KARINA; HERCULANO, RONDINELLI DONIZETTI; DE FREITAS, OSVALDO; LOPEZ, RENATA F. V.. Silk fibroin films stabilizes and releases bioactive insulin for the treatment of corneal wounds. EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL, v. 118, p. 502-513, SEP 2019. (14/22451-7, 14/19018-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

CUBAYACHI, Camila. Evaluation of formulations based on silk fibroin and insulin in the topical treatment of ocular wounds. 2019. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC) Ribeirão Preto.