Synergy between nanotechnology and pharmaceutical cocrystallization to improve physicochemical properties in antidepressants

• Grant number: 23/07343-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Flávio Junior Caires
• Grantee: Giovanna de Paula Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanotechnology associated with forming multicomponent solid forms is an emerging strategy in the pharmaceutical sector. Through modifications in the crystalline structure by interaction with another safe molecule and by reducing the size of the particles at the nanometer scale, the compounds formed are able to present new physicochemical properties that supply the deficiencies of drugs already commercialized. The drugs studied in this work will be venlafaxine (VLF) and vortioxetine (VOT). VLF and VOT are antidepressants widely used in the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. However, VOT has low solubility and VLF is insoluble, being sold in salt form. In this scenario, the daily dose of drug administration is increased and prolonged use brings unwanted side effects. Thus, through mechanochemical methods, slurry, and crystallization in solution, cocrystals, nanocrystals, and nanococrystals will be synthesized in order to improve the physicochemical properties and investigate the synergistic effect of the technologies. The compounds formed will be investigated using thermal, spectroscopic, diffractometric, and microscopic analysis techniques and through dynamic light scattering. After identifying the compounds, studies will be carried out to understand the solubility, dissolution, and absorption capacity of the compounds formed in different gastrointestinal tract regions.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

COSTA, GIOVANNA DE PAULA; ISQUIBOLA, GUILHERME; FERREIRA, PATRICIA OSORIO; PORTO, MARIA VITORIA; MAGDALENA, AROLDO GERALDO; CAIRES, FLAVIO. Norfloxacin Nanocrystals Through Surfactant Assisted Grinding. MATERIALS RESEARCH-IBERO-AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MATERIALS, v. 27, p. 6-pg., 2024-01-01. (23/07343-2, 23/06756-1)