Essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus L. Rendle and their derivatives loaded into liposomes: determination of the inhibitory potential on Candida auris

• Grant number: 19/26910-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2020
• End date: August 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Taís Maria Bauab
• Grantee: Laura Caminitti de Lima
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The multiresistant profile and the large genetic variability of the species Candida auris have been highlighted as a worldwide public health problem. Unlike other species of the genus, systemic infections caused by C. auris lead to a rapid progression of pathological conditions that have not been fully elucidated yet. In addition, it has intrinsic and extrinsic resistance to the most modern treatments available, as well as it is difficult to diagnose and often confused with other species of the genus. Thus, the search for new sources of treatment are necessary, by exploring several alternatives with the purpose of fighting and controlling this species. The association of pharmaceutical nanotechnology with natural bioactives is an important therapeutic alternative, since natural actives have lower toxicity than echinocandins currently used, and the use of liposomal nanotechnological systems is essential to optimize pharmacological properties and increase bioavailability of active compounds. in the fungal cell, which would promote safe and effective treatment for the patient. The use of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle essential oil has already been shown to be effective in fighting various Candida species in studies conducted by our research group. Thus, the objective of this project is to evaluate the antifungal activity of Cymbopogon nardus essential oil and its derivatives, free and incorporated with control / eradication of C. auris. The in vitro inhibitory potential of C. nardus oil and its free derivatives will be evaluated by the microdilution assay (MIC), and the compound with the best activity will be incorporated into a liposome drug delivery system. The system will be characterized (transmission electron microscopy, determination of the average particle diameter, zeta potential, polydispersion index, calorimetric assay and determination of IR incorporation), and the in vitro activity of the system incorporated against C. biofilms will be evaluated. Auris. Biological analyzes will allow the evaluation of C. auris time kill in the presence of the most active free and incorporated compound. Toxicity experiments (in vitro cytotoxicity on HaCat cell line and alternative in vivo acute toxicity model in Galleria melonella) will also be performed. This study aims to contribute to new perspectives in the treatment of systemic infections caused by C. auris.