Monoolein-based nanodispersions for cutaneous co-delivery of methylene blue and metformin: Thermal and structural characterization and effects on the cutaneous barrier, skin penetration and cytotoxicity.

This study evaluated the potential of monoolein (MO)-based nanodispersions to promote the cutaneous co-delivery of metformin (MET) and methylene blue (MB) for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. MO-based nanodispersions were obtained using Kolliphor® P407 (KP) and/or sodium cholate (CH), and characterized concerning the structure, thermal stability, ability to disrupt the skin barrier, cutaneous permeation and retention of MB and MET. Additionally, the cytotoxic effect of MO nanodispersions-mediated combination therapy using MET and MB in A431 cells was evaluated. The nanodispersions exhibited nanometric size (<200 nm) and thermal and physical stability. Small angle X-ray scattering studies revealed multiple structures depending on composition. They were able to interact with stratum corneum lipid structure, increasing its fluidity. The effect of MO-nanodispersions on topical/transdermal delivery of MB and MET was composition-dependent. Nanodispersions with low MO content (5 %) and stabilized with KP and CH (0.05-0.10 %) were the most promising, enhancing the cutaneous delivery of MB and MET by 1.9 to 2.2-fold and 1.4 to 1.7-fold, respectively, compared to control. Cytotoxic studies revealed that the most promising MO nanodispersion-mediated combination therapy using MET and MB (1:1) reduced the IC50 by 24-fold, compared to MB solution, and a further reduction (1.5-fold) was observed by MB photoactivation.

Influence of seasonality on the physicochemical properties of Moringa oleifera Lam. Seed oil and their oleochemical potential.

The effect of abiotic factors, such as weather and climate can alter the properties of vegetable oils. In this work, the effects of the refining process and pre-drying of Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds collected in the dry and rainy seasons (seasonality) were evaluated on the characteristics of the extracted oils. The refined and crude dry season oils had lower acidity and moisture content than the dry and raw rainy season oils. Oleic acid (C18:1) showed the highest concentration in the different Moringa oils studied. The results suggest that dry season oils are more suitable for application as feedstocks in the cosmetic, food, medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, refining proved to be efficient in removing free fatty acids and in lightening the oil.

Monoolein-based nanoparticles for drug delivery to the central nervous system: A platform for lysosomal storage disorder treatment.

Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs) are characterized by an abnormal accumulation of substrates within the lysosome and comprise more than 50 genetic disorders with a frequency of 1:5000 live births. Nanotechnology may be a promising way to circumvent the drawbacks of the current therapies for lysosomal diseases. The blood circulation time and bioavailability of the enzymes or drugs could be improved by inserting them in nanocarriers, which could decrease and/or avoid the need of frequent intravenous infusions along with the minimization or elimination of associated immunogenic responses. Considering the exposed, we aimed to build monoolein-based nanoparticles stabilized by polysorbate 80 as a smart platform able to reach the central nervous system (CNS) to deliver drugs or enzymes inside lysosomes. We developed and characterized the nanoparticles by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). The nanoparticles showed a diameter of 115 nm, which is compatible with in vivo application. The SAXS patterns of the formulations displayed a single broad correlation peak that was fitted to the Teubner-Strey model confirming that disordered bicontinuous structures were obtained. Cryo-TEM images corroborated this finding and showed nanoparticles with size values that are similar to those determined by DLS. Furthermore, the nanoparticles did not present cytotoxicity when they were incubated with human fibroblasts, and demonstrated hemolytic activity proportional to the negative control, proving to be safe for parenteral administration. Through the use of a fluorescent dye to track the nanoparticles inside the cell, we demonstrated that they reached lysosomes after 1 h of treatment. More interestingly, the fluorescent dye was detected in the CNS of mice just after 3 h of treatment. The nanoparticles show great potential to improve the treatment of LSDs with brain impairment, acting as a smart platform to targeted delivery of drugs or enzymes.

Optimization of protoporphyrin IX skin delivery for topical photodynamic therapy: Nanodispersions of liquid-crystalline phase as nanocarriers.

Nanodispersions of liquid-crystalline phases (NLPs) composed of monoolein and oleic acid were chosen as nanocarriers to improve the topical retention of the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) and thereby optimize photodynamic therapy (PDT) using this photosensitizer. The nanodispersions were characterized by polarized light microscopy, small-angle X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering. The stability and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) of the nanodispersions were also evaluated. In vitro and in vivo skin penetration studies were performed to determine the potential of the nanodispersions for cutaneous application. In addition, skin penetration and skin irritancy (in an animal model) after in vivo application were visualized by fluorescence light microscopy. The nanodispersion obtained was characterized as a monodisperse system (~150.0 nm) of hexagonal liquid-crystalline phase, which provided a high encapsulation efficiency of PpIX (~88%) that remained stable over 90 days of investigation. Skin penetration studies demonstrated that the nanodispersion enhanced PpIX skin uptake 11.8- and 3.3-fold (in vitro) and 23.6- and 20.8-fold (in vivo) compared to the PpIX skin uptake of control formulations, respectively. In addition, the hexagonal phase nanodispersion did not cause skin irritation after application for two consecutive days. Overall, the results show that the nanocarrier developed is suitable for use in topical PDT with PpIX.

Influence of monoolein on progesterone transdermal delivery

abstract This work aimed to investigate in vitro the influence of monoolein (MO) on progesterone (PG) transdermal delivery and skin retention. Information about the role of MO as an absorption enhancer for lipophilic molecules can help on innovative product development capable of delivering the hormone through the skin in a consistent manner, improving transdermal therapy of hormonal replacement. MO was dispersed in propylene glycol under heat at concentrations of 0% (control), 5% w/w, 10% w/w and 20% w/w. Then, 0.6% of PG (w/w) was added to each formulation. Permeation profile of the hormone was determined in vitro for 48 h using porcine skin in Franz diffusion cells. PG permeation doubled when 5% (w/w) of MO was present in formulation in comparison to both the control and higher MO concentrations (10% and 20% w/w). An equal trend was observed for PG retention in stratum corneum (SC) and reminiscent skin (E+D). PG release rates from the MO formulations, investigated using cellulose membranes, revealed that concentrations of MO higher than 5% (w/w) hindered PG release, which indeed negatively reflected on the hormone permeation through the skin. In conclusion, this work demonstrated the feasibility of MO addition (at 5% w/w) in formulations as a simple method to increase transdermal PG delivery for therapies of hormonal replacement. In contrast, higher MO concentrations (from 10% to 20% w/w) can control active release, and this approach could be extrapolated to other lipophilic, low-molecular-weight molecules.

resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar in vitro a influência de monooleína (MO) na permeação transdérmica de progesterona (PG), bem como sobre a retenção cutânea desse hormônio a fim de (i) liberar de maneira mais consistente hormônio através da pele para melhorar a terapia transdérmica de reposição hormonal e (ii) trazer mais informações sobre o papel da MO como promotor da absorção cutânea de moléculas lipofílicas, tema ainda pouco explorado na literatura. MO foi dispersa em propilenoglicol, a concentrações de 0% (controle), 5%, 10% e 20% (p/p). Adicionou-se, em seguida, 0,6% (p/p) de PG a cada uma das formulações. O perfil de permeação do hormônio foi então determinado in vitro durante 48 h, utilizando pele de porco em células de difusão do tipo Franz. MO a 5% (p/p) foi capaz de duplicar a permeação de PG em comparação ao controle e às concentrações mais elevadas de MO, assim como a retenção de PG no estrato córneo (SC) e epiderme e derme remanescentes (E+D). A velocidade de liberação de PG a partir das formulações foi investigada usando membranas de celulose e este estudo revelou que concentrações de MO superiores a 5% (p/p) impediram a liberacão de PG, o que de fato refletiu de forma negativa na permeação cutânea do hormônio. Concluindo, este trabalho demonstrou a viabilidade da adição de MO a uma formulação como um método simples para aumentar a permeação transdérmica de PG para uso em terapias de reposição hormonal. Por outro lado, altas concentrações de MO (de 10% a 20% p/p) controlam a liberação de PG e este efeito pode ser extrapolado para outras moléculas lipofílicas de baixa massa molecular.

Caracterização do intumescimento de sistemas líquido-cristalinos de fase lamelar de monoleína e água contendo polihexametilenobiguanida / Characterization of swelling of lamellar phases of monoolein and water containing polyhexamethylenebiguanide

A monoleína é um lipídeo polar capaz de absorver água e formar sistemas líquido-cristalinos, os quais são utilizados como sistemas de liberação para administração de vários fármacos. Neste estudo foi avaliado o potencial de sistemas de fase lamelar constituídos por monoleína e água para veicular polihexametilenobiguanida (PHMB). A formação dos sistemas líquido-cristalinos foi caracterizada por microscopia de luz polarizada. Estudos de intumescimento foram realizados gravimetricamente em várias condições avaliando-se os efeitos de parâmetros como pH, força iônica e temperatura do meio de imersão. O processo de intumescimento foi caracterizado através da obtenção dos perfis de intumescimento e análise de sua cinética, além da determinação da capacidade máxima de intumescimento dos sistemas. Os sistemas de fase lamelar foram obtidos em presença de PHMB, os quais absorveram água rapidamente de acordo com cinética de segunda ordem e sofreram transição de fase, formando a fase cúbica. O intumescimento dos sistemas não foi influenciado pela presença do fármaco nos vários meios de imersão estudados, exceto pela imersão em meio ácido, no qual a presença do PHMB aumentou a captação de água. O intumescimento dos sistemas contendo PHMB não foi afetado pela força iônica do meio de imersão, porém foi diminuído com o aumento da temperatura. Desta maneira, sistemas líquido-cristalinos de monoleína e água foram obtidos e o processo de intumescimento foi caracterizado. Os sistemas apresentaram potencial para serem propostos como sistemas de liberação para administração de PHMB e estudos de liberação de fármacos serão realizados futuramente.

Monoolein is a polar lipid that absorbs water and forms liquid crystalline systems that are used as drug delivery systems for different medications. The aim of the present study was to investigate lamellar phases formed by monoolein and water as potential vehicles for the administration of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB). Lamellar phase systems formed by monoolein and water containing PHMB were characterized by polarizing microscopy. Swelling studies were performed gravimetrically under different conditions for the evaluation of the effects of pH, ionic strength and temperature. Analyses of swelling profiles, swelling kinetics and maximum swelling capacity were performed. The lamellar phase systems of monoolein and water obtained in the presence of PHMB absorbed water very quickly following second-order swelling kinetics and formed a cubic phase. The swelling of the systems was not influenced by the presence of the drug in the immersion media studied, except under acidic conditions, in which the drug exhibited increased water uptake. The swelling of systems containing PHMB was not affected by the ionic strength of the immersion media, but was reduced with an increase in temperature. Liquid crystalline systems of monoolein and water were obtained and swelling behavior was investigated. The systems exhibited the potential for use as a drug delivery system for PHMB administration. However, further drug-release studies should be performed.

Histological Evaluation of the Bone Repair Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Combined to a Material Carrier / Evaluación Histológica del Proceso de Reparación Ósea Utilizando Agregado Trióxido Mineral Combinado a un Material Cargador

The aim of this study was to present a possible carrier for MTA, monoolein gel, with the objective to maintain this material in the place that was inserted and verify if this procedure is able to optimize its action. The data were evaluated by histomorphometric method and submitted to statistical analysis. The histological responses observed in this study indicate that the MTA is a reliable material and should be considered effective in bone periapical defects and the monoolein gel was capable to maintain the MTA in situ.

El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar el gel de monoleína como un posible cargador para el MTA y verificar si es capaz de optimizar su acción. Los datos obtenidos fueron evaluados por métodos histomorfométricos y sometidos a análisis estadístico. El resultado histológico reveló que el MTA es un material efectivo para utilizarlo en defectos óseos periapicales y que el gel de monoleína es capaz de mantener el MTA in situ.