Production and characterization of nanoemulsion as a proposal for delivery of the pro-resolution lipid Maresin-1

• Grant number: 24/23103-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Testa Moura de Carvalho Vicentini
• Grantee: Kauê Felipe Silva Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanoemulsion is a kinetically stable dispersion of two immiscible liquids, composed of water-in-oil or oil-in-water droplets, stabilized by surfactants. It has several interesting characteristics for its evaluation as a drug carrier system, such as solubilization of nonpolar drugs, possibility of modified release, drug protection and the use of low concentrations of surfactants. Thus, this project aims to develop a nanoemulsion system to deliver maresin-1 (MaR1), so as to obtain a release system capable of adequately solubilizing this pro-resolution lipid, as well as improving the stability of this molecule, with the aim that these characteristics allow for optimization of its administration. Maresin-1 (MaR1) is a pro-resolution lipid with great therapeutic potential, acting to limit the neutrophil infiltration, increase macrophage phagocytosis, reduce the production of pro-inflammatory factors, and stimulate tissue regeneration. In addition, it subverts neuronal function by inhibiting the release of neuropeptides, which results in reduced peripheral inflammation. However, MaR1 presents some difficulties related to its administration, such as its high apolar character and its rapid endogenous metabolism into inactive products. In addition, its action on specific receptors is in the nanogram range. Thus, the proposal of carrying MaR1 by modified delivery systems could be interesting to increase its activity and the duration of its effect.