Development and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles loaded with copaiba oleoresin.

Copaiba oleoresin (CPO), obtained from Copaifera landgroffii, is described as active to a large number of diseases and more recently in the endometriosis treatment. In this work, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing CPO were obtained using the design of experiments (DOE) as a tool to optimize the production process. The nanoparticles optimized by means of DOE presented an activity in relation to the cellular viability of endometrial cells. The DOE showed that higher amounts of CPO combined with higher surfactant concentrations resulted in better encapsulation efficiency and size distribution along with good stability after freeze drying. The encapsulation efficiency was over 80% for all produced nanoparticles, which also presented sizes below 300 nm and spherical shape. A decrease in viability of endometrial stromal cells from ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis and from eutopic endometriotic lesions was demonstrated after 48 h of incubation with the CPO nanoparticles. The nanoparticles without CPO were not able to alter the cell viability of the same cells, indicating that this material was not cytotoxic to the tested cells and suggesting that the effect was specific to CPO. The results indicate that the use of CPO nanoparticles may represent a promising alternative for the treatment of endometriosis.

Nanostructured systems containing babassu (Orbignya speciosa) oil as a potential alternative therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The oil of babassu tree nuts (Orbignya speciosa) is a potential alternative for treatment and prophylaxis of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Improved results can be obtained by drug vectorization to the hyperplastic tissue. The main objective of this work was the preparation and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle and clay nanosystems containing babassu oil (BBS). BBS was extracted from the kernels of babassu tree nuts and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as well as 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. BBS-clay nanosystems were obtained by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone, Viscogel B8®, and BBS at a 2:1:1 mass ratio and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and laser diffraction. The PLGA-BBS nanoparticles were prepared by the precipitation-solvent evaporation method. Mean diameter, polydispersity, zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopic images of the nanosystems were analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis showed successful formation of the nanocomposite. PLGA nanoparticles containing BBS were obtained, with a suitable size that was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Both nanostructured systems showed active incorporation yields exceeding 90%. The two systems obtained represent a new and potentially efficient therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia.