RESUMO
The natural alkaloid epiisopiloturine has recently become the focus of study for various medicinal properties, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and antischistosomal effect. The incorporation of active molecules in natural polymeric matrices has garnered increasing interest during recent decades. A new derivative of cashew gum successfully obtained by gum acetylation has shown great potential as a carrier in controlled drug release systems. In this work, epiisopiloturine was encapsulated in acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles in order to increase solubility and allow slow release, whereas the morphology results were supported by computer simulations. The particles were produced under a variety of conditions, and thoroughly characterized using light scattering and microscopic techniques. The particles were spherical and highly stable in solution, and showed drug incorporation at high levels, up to 55% efficiency. Using a dialysis-based in vitro assay, these particles were shown to release the drug via a Fickian diffusion mechanism, leading to gradual drug release over approximately 6â¯h. These nanoparticles show potential for the use as drug delivery system, while studies on their potential anti-inflammatory action, as well as toxicity and efficacy assays would need to be performed in the future to confirm their suitability as drug delivery candidates.
Assuntos
4-Butirolactona/análogos & derivados , Alcaloides/química , Anacardium/química , Portadores de Fármacos/química , Imidazóis/química , Nanopartículas/química , Gomas Vegetais/química , 4-Butirolactona/química , Acetilação , Configuração de Carboidratos , Liberação Controlada de Fármacos , Modelos Moleculares , SolubilidadeRESUMO
Nanoprecipitation and dialysis methods were employed to obtain nanoparticles (NPs) of acetylated cashew gum (ACG). NPs synthesized by dialysis showed greater average size compared to those synthesized by nanoprecipitation, but they presented improved stability and yield. NPs were loaded with diclofenac diethylamine and the efficiency of the drug incorporation was over 60% for both methods, for an ACG:NP a weight ratio of 10:1. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the NPs had no significant effect on the cell viability, verifying their biocompatibility. The release profile for the diclofenac diethylamine associated with the ACG-NPs showed a more controlled release compared to the free drug and a Fickian diffusion mechanism was observed. Transdermal permeation reached 90% penetration of the drug.