Multifunctional alginate nanoparticles containing nitric oxide donor and copper oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Grant number: 22/03914-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2022
• End date: May 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Amedea Barozzi Seabra
• Grantee: André Luiz Floriano Jacob
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The nitric oxide (NO) molecule controls several physiological processes, such as the promotion and acceleration of skin healing, the repair of various tissues, and in high concentrations it has antitumor and antimicrobial action. As NO is a free radical, in the biological environment there are species capable of inactivating it. Low molecular weight thiols (RSH) are nitrosated to form S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs), which act as NO carriers and donors, increasing the half-life of NO and preserving its biological action. Among the RSNOs, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), found endogenously, stands out. There is a great interest in the development of NO carriers and NO donors for biomedical applications, especially topical applications. A promising strategy that has been used is the combination of nanoparticles with NO donors. These systems have great chances of successful use as carriers and NO releasers in biological media. Similar to NO, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are highlighted in the biomedical area because they have potent antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. In this work, biodegradable and biocompatible alginate nanoparticles containing GSNO and CuO NPs will be synthesized by the ionotropic gelation method, a simple, low-cost and efficient technique. Alginate is a polysaccharide used as a vehicle for the controlled release of different drugs, especially in tissue engineering. The combination of GSNO and CuO NPs in alginate nanoparticles is expected to play a positive role against bacteria and toxicity in tumor cell lines. This project has as main goals the preparation of alginate nanoparticles containing GSNO and CuONPs and their characterization by different techniques, kinetic studies of NO and copper (Cu) release from the prepared materials. In addition, the cytotoxicity and antibacterial action of the materials will be investigated. It is intended to obtain a system for the sustained and localized release of NO and CuO NPs using alginate matrices, with great potential for biomedical applications.(AU)