Development of a nanostructured hydrogel containing papain and cyclodextrin complex

Author(s)

Gustavo Henrique Costa Varca

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN/BT)
• Defense date: 2014-12-15

Examining board members

Ademar Benévolo Lugão; Newton Andréo Filho; Luiz Ricardo Goulart Filho; Monica Beatriz Mathor; José Roberto Rogero

• Advisor: Ademar Benévolo Lugão

Abstract

Papain is a proteolytic enzyme applied for wound healing and debridement. However, stability issues as well as allergenic reactions reported by patients submitted to papain pharmaceutics led to restriction of papain containing products for topical use by international regulatory agencies. This work aimed the development of nanostructured hydrogel containing papain and cyclodextrin complex or papain in order to obtain stable and suitable pharmaceutical form as a wound dressing with reduced allergenic properties. The hydrogel synthesis was performed by combining freezing cycles and the simultaneous crosslinking and sterilization process promoted by gamma irradiation to achieve a nanostructured hydrogel for the loading of the papain and cyclodextrin complex. The biological and physical-chemical properties of the complex and the final product were assayed. The PVA based hydrogel containing cyclodextrin-papain complex presented desirable characteristics for wound dressing purposes. In addition, an in vitro shift in the immunological response and an increase in the cytocompatibility if compared to native papain were observed as a function of the molecular encapsulation with cyclodextrin. The process of irradiation was not capable of altering papain cytotoxicity, but conferred a slight decrease in the immunogenic properties. In conclusion, the developed hydrogel was promising as a novel papain containing dressing with potential reduced adverse reactions. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/10935-9 - Development of a nanostructured hydrogel containing a papain and cyclodextrin complex
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Costa Varca
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)