Physico-chemical studies and applications of alginate and chitosan composite particles carrying antiparasitic drugs

• Grant number: 16/25919-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Omar Mertins
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Monge Fernandes Patta
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project intends to develop a composite material of antiparasitic properties for application in biological environment, as well as to explore innovative scientific and technical methods producing relevant scientific data from these. Composite particles on the nanoscale will be produced with the chitosan polysaccharide associated with the polysaccharide alginate, both polymers of natural origin, biocompatible and biodegradable. Physico-chemical interaction studies between polysaccharides with various loads will be conducted mainly by Isothermal Calorimetry by Titration, Light Scattering and Zeta Potential. The physico-chemical characteristics of the composite system will be optimized at pH conditions suitable for specific applications in biological environment. In the composites will be incorporated the drug antiparasitic ivermectin by hydrophobic interaction with chitosan in aqueous medium. The drug-containing composite particles will be administered to adult fish of the species Corydoras agassizii, parasitized with trematodes and nematodes for evaluation of endoparasitary treatment. Fish will be systematically analyzed for drug concentration and treatment intervals, aiming at the optimization of the treatment with reduction or elimination of the parasites and concomitant evaluation of ivermectin toxicity. The project aims mainly to introduce and train the student candidate in the scientific research to favor its continuity in the postgraduate. (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)

MATHEWS, PATRICK D.; PATTA, ANA C. M. F.; GAMA, GABRIELLA S.; MERTINS, OMAR. Infestation by Ergasilus coatiarus (Copepoda: Ergasilidae) in two Amazonian cichlids with new host record from Peru: An ectoparasites natural control approach. COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES, v. 341, n. 1, p. 16-19, JAN 2018. (16/25919-5, 15/23948-5)

ESPINOZA, LUIS L.; MERTINS, OMAR; GAMA, GABRIELLA S.; FERNANDES PATTA, ANA C. M.; MATHEWS, PATRICK D.. A new Myxidium species (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infecting the gallbladder of the turtle Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from Peruvian Amazon. Acta Tropica, v. 172, p. 75-79, AUG 2017. (15/23948-5, 16/25919-5)