Study of pectin-chitosan systems enriched with nanostructured lipid carriers for the delivery of nisin, simvastatin and adenosine aiming the treatment of skin ulcers

• Grant number: 22/12876-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Luciana Biagini Lopes
• Grantee: Regina Gomes Daré
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/13877-1 - Nanocarriers for localized treatment and chemoprevention of breast tumors, AP.JP2
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/08941-3 - Development and application of 3D human skin equivalent to investigate the impact of nanostructured lipid carriers coencapsulated with simvastatin and adenosine on chronic wound healing, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

The increase in the incidence of difficult-to-heal injuries due to population aging and the prevalence of certain types of chronic diseases (such as diabetes) requires a constant search for new treatment strategies that combine lower cost and good efficacy. Since disturbances in revascularization and the occurrence of microbial infections contribute to healing difficulties, we propose in this project the development of delivery system based on nanotechnology for the delivery of the combination of simvastatin and adenosine, in a hydrogel enriched with nisin, as a new strategy for the treatment of wounds. Several studies have demonstrated the pro-angiogenic activity of simvastatin and adenosine, while the peptide nisin has been used as a food-safe antimicrobial. Nanostructured lipid carriers associated with simvastatin and adenosine (NLC-S/A) are currently under development to promote the localization of these actives in skin lesions. The present project aims to (i) incorporate these NLC-S/A into nisin-containing pectin-chitosan hydrogel and evaluate (ii) the ability of the systems to promote cutaneous retention of the actives, (iii) their cellular effects in vitro and (iv) in vivo in the healing of skin wounds. With the execution of this project, it is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the contribution of the association of simvastatin and adenosine as healing agents, and of nisin as an antimicrobial agent, to improve the healing process of chronic wounds, as well as contribute to the development of alternatives safe and efficient for the topical treatment of cutaneous ulcers.