Evaluation of the potential of curcumin loaded- CEACAM-1 functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections

• Grant number: 19/25056-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): February 17, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Marlus Chorilli
• Grantee: Bruna Almeida Furquim de Camargo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/15987-4 - Evaluation of bioadhesion from lipid nanoparticles containing curcumin coated with chitosan and functionalized with CEACAM-1 in clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori colonizes the gastric epithelium and is often associated with infections such as gastric disorders, gastritis, ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) and even gastric adenocarcinomas. The difficulties faced in treating infections caused by this bacterium drive the search for new alternatives, such as natural products with antimicrobial activity, such as curcumin, which aim to provide therapeutic strategies with lower side effects, cost and greater effectiveness. However, its lipophilic character hinders its solubility in water decreasing its bioavailability. Nanostructured lipid carriers (CLN) are considered innovative nanoparticles for incorporation of lipophilic drugs, enabling functionalization with signaling molecules, CEACAMs, adhesion molecules related to human carninoembryonic antigen, which binds to receptors located on the outer membrane of H. pylori, identified as HopQ, enabling a direction to the place of action. Thus, this work aims to develop and characterize CEACAM-1 functionalized CLN for curcumin incorporation and evaluate its potential in the treatment of infections caused by H. pylori. The characterization will involve determination of particle size measurements, polydispersion index, nanoparticle tracking analysis, zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy, curcumin encapsulation efficiency, determination of the functionalization efficiency of CLN with CEACAM-1 and in vitro release profile. Antibacterial activity against H. pylori ATCC 43504 will be evaluated, using tests to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration and biofilm formation. Growth kinetics, cytotoxic potential on MRC-5 cell line, toxic potential in Galleria mellonella, and anti-H.pylori activity in vivo will be evaluated.