Application of Ureasil-Polyether Polymers as a delivery system for Metronidazole and Gentisic Acid and their effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

• Grant number: 25/06205-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Jean Leandro dos Santos
• Grantee: Eduarda Duarte da Silveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The progressive increase in bacterial resistance represents a global public health threat, prompting the search for innovative therapeutic strategies. In this context, the present project proposes the development of a controlled drug delivery system based on a ureasil-polyether hybrid polymer, functionalized with the antibiotic metronidazole and the antioxidant gentisic acid. The proposal aims to investigate the efficacy of metronidazole against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as to evaluate the potential pharmacological synergism with gentisic acid, a phenolic compound known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The sustained release promoted by the polymeric matrix seeks to maintain effective therapeutic concentrations, minimize adverse effects, and enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of the formulation. The methodology includes the synthesis of the polymeric system, drug incorporation, in vitro release assays, and microbiological tests to determine the susceptibility of microorganisms to the proposed system. The expected results aim to contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical technologies targeted at combating microbial resistance, as well as to the development of novel drug delivery systems and innovative pharmacological therapy solutions.