Kojic acid-loaded in polymer-protein matrices for topical applications

• Grant number: 22/04173-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Daniele Ribeiro de Araujo
• Grantee: Bianca Araujo Simões
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Kojic acid (KA) is a secondary metabolite produced by fungi and bactéria in aerobic fermentation conditions, using carbohydrates as substrates, being applied in several fields, such as food, industrial, agricultural, cosmetics, and health. KA has well-described biological properties such as the ability to inhibit the production of tyrosinase and, consequently, melanin, in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. In addition, another molecular mechanism of action involves the inhibition of intracellular pathways associated with the progression of inflammation, making it a promising molecule for applications in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, considering previous investigations that discussed its use as an anti-inflammatory against intestinal inflammation. It is also worth mentioning the possible integration of the intestine-skin axis, involved in many inflammatory pathologies, which highlights future investigations in this field. In this sense, the technological approach of this proposal refers to the development of different formulations of hydrogels from components obtained by biotechnological routes, to the gel-forming matrices, such as polymers and proteins. In relation to the gel matrices produced, this proposal aims to obtain colloidal systems capable of retaining large amounts of water and incorporating hydrophilic molecules such as AK, in addition to presenting bioadhesive and mechanical properties for topical application. Other factors involve the pharmacological properties inherent to the gel-matrix components, such as healing and anti-inflammatory, which highlights the possibility of synergistic actions between the components of the final formulation.(AU)