Multifunctionalized systems-based chitosan nanoparticles anchored with methotrexate and incorporated into resistant starch/pectin microparticles for colon-specific release of 5-fluourouracil

• Grant number: 16/01464-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2017
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Acordo de Cooperação: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Maria Palmira Daflon Gremião
• Grantee: Aline Martins dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/25846-0 - Evaluation of the potential for colon-specific delivery of 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles and 5-fluorouracil nanoparticles incorporated in resistant starch/pectin microparticles, using a model of in vivo biodistribution by small animal optical imaging, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

The treatment of the colorectal cancer is conducted by administering high doses of antineoplasic agents due to its lack of specificity, leading to severe side effects. Among these drugs, 5-fluorouracil is one of the more effective and although suffers first pass metabolism its efficacy may be enhanced by combination with methotrexate, which due to structural similarity with folic acid, promotes internalization by the cancerous cells. The improvement of the residence time of the drug in the tumor tissue can be achieved using nanoparticles, which due its small size favor the system penetration through the tumor vessels and mucus layer. The use of chitosan for the development of nanoparticles should be highlighted due their important mucoadhesive properties. The nanoparticles can be incorporated into microparticles based on natural polysaccharides with biodegradability dependent on colonic enzymes, as resistant starch and pectin, in order to reach its colon specific release and to promote the local action of 5- fluorouracil, minimizing side effects. In this sense, the development of chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with methotrexate and incorporated in resistant starch/pectin microparticles for oral administration is a potential strategy for colonic release of 5-fluorouracil, leading to increased anti-tumor activity and optimization of the treatment of colorectal cancer. (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)

DOS SANTOS, ALINE MARTINS; MENEGUIN, ANDREIA BAGLIOTTI; AKHTER, DEWAN TASLIMA; FLETCHER, NICHOLAS; HOUSTON, ZACHARY H.; BELL, CRAIG; THURECHT, KRISTOFER J.; GREMIA, MARIA PALMIRA DAFLON. Understanding the role of colon-specific microparticles based on retrograded starch/pectin in the delivery of chitosan nanoparticles along the gastrointestinal tract. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS, v. 158, p. 371-378, JAN 2021. (17/25846-0, 14/50928-2, 16/01464-9)

DOS SANTOS, ALINE MARTINS; MENEGUIN, ANDREIA BAGLIOTTI; FONSECA-SANTOS, BRUNO; CHAVES DE SOUZA, MAURICIO PALMEIRA; BARBOZA FERREIRA, LEONARDO MIZIARA; SABIO, RAFAEL MIGUEL; CHORILLI, MARLUS; DAFLON GREMIAO, MARIA PALMIRA. The role of stabilizers and mechanical processes on physico-chemical and anti-inflammatory properties of methotrexate nanosuspensions. JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, v. 57, JUN 2020. (16/01464-9)

Academic Publications

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

SANTOS, Aline Martins dos. Multi-functionalized systems of chitosan nanoparticles functionalized with methotrexate and incorporated into resistant starch/pectin microparticles as a strategy for colon-specific delivery of 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of colorectal cancer. 2019. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas. Araraquara Araraquara.