Evaluation of the antifungal activity of meglumine-derived gels containing Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract on Candida albicans biofilms.

• Grant number: 24/07635-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Miziara Barboza Ferreira
• Grantee: Eddy Henrique de Siqueira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, one of the main causes of fungal infections has been associated with Candida albicans, a microorganism present in normal microbiota. However, due to its opportunistic nature, these microorganisms can trigger infections, especially due to their ability to form biofilms on the skin and mucous membranes, as is the case with candidiasis. It is known that pomegranate fruit peels (Punica granatum L.) contain substances with antifungal properties that can be incorporated into semi-solid pharmaceutical forms through lyotropic liquid crystals, due to their structure that favors stability and incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic structures in formulations.In this context, the purpose of this study is to develop gel formulations for topical application based on liquid crystal derived from meglumine containing aqueous extracts of pomegranate and oleic acid; perform biofilm characterization and conduct evaluations regarding the antifungal activity of these preparations on C. albicans biofilms; performing tests of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). Finally, tests for tannin quantification, centrifugation, bioadhesion, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized light microscopy will be performed.