Adriana M. Ferreira

Design of indomethacin-loaded nanoparticles: effect of polymer matrix and surfactant

Despite recent advances in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) formulations, the design of targeted delivery systems to improve the efficacy and reduce side effects of NSAIDs continues to be a focus of much research. Enteric nanoparticles have been recognized as a potential system to reduce gastrointestinal irritations caused by NSAIDs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of EUDRAGIT® L100, polyethylene glycol, and polysorbate 80 on encapsulation efficiency of indomethacin within enteric nanoparticles. Formulations were developed based on a multilevel factorial design (three factors, two levels). The amount of polyethylene glycol was shown to be the factor that had the greatest influence on the encapsulation efficiency (evaluated response) at 95% confidence level. Some properties of nanoparticles like process yield, drug–polymer interaction, particle morphology, and in vitro dissolution profile, which could affect biological performance, have also been evaluated.

Development, stability and in vitro delivery profile of new loratadine-loaded nanoparticles

Purpose: Loratadine is used as antihistaminic without side effects in nervous systems. This drug is a weak base and it is absorbed from the intestine. The nitrogen of the pyridine ring is protonated in the stomach affecting the oral bioavailability. The aim of this paper was obtaining, characterize and evaluate the release profiles and the stability of a gastroresistant loratadine nanosuspension. Methods: The nanosuspension was prepared by the solvent displacement evaporation method, using three different polymers (Eudragit® L 100 55, Kollicoat® MAE 100P and PEG 4000) and Polysorbate 80. Dynamic Light Scattering was used for evaluating the particle size (PS), zeta potential, and conductivity of the nanosuspension. Loratadine release profiles were evaluated in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. The shelf and accelerated stability were assessed during three months. Results: Nanosuspension particle size was 45.94 ± 0.50 nm, with a low polydispersion index (PdI, 0.300). Kollicoat® MAE 100P produced a hard and flexible coating layer. In simulated intestinal fluids, the 100 percent of loratadine was released in 40 min, while in simulated stomach fluids the release was lesser than 5%. Nanosuspension presented a good physicochemical stability showing a reduction in PS and PdI after three months (43.29 ± 0.16 and 0.250; respectively). Conclusions: A promissory loratadine nanosuspension for loratadine intestinal delivery was obtained, by using a low energy method, which is an advantage for a possible scale up for practical purpose.

INFLUENCE OF LOW AND HIGH GLYCEROL CONCENTRATIONS ON WETTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY OF CHITOSAN BIOFILMS

Erveton P. Pintoa,#,‡, Walter de S. Tavaresb, Robert S. Matosa,#, Adriana M. Ferreirab, Rodrigo P. Menezesc, Marcelo Eduardo H. M. da Costac, Tiago M. de Souzad, Irlon M. Ferreiraa,§,*, Franscisco Fábio O. de Sousab and Robert Ronald M. Zamoraa Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade Federal do Amapá, 68903-419 Macapá – AP, Brasil Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá, 68903-419 Macapá – AP, Brasil Departamento de Física, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, 22451-000 Rio de Janeiro – RJ, Brasil Departamento de Engenharia Química, Universidade Estadual do Amapá, 68900-070 Macapá – AP, Brasil

Application of a Multilevel Factorial Design to the Formulation of Indomethacin-loaded Nanoparticles

Indomethacin, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is typically used for chronic inflammatory arthritis. However, patients receiving Indomethacin often experience gastrointestinal side effects. Thus, the design of targeted delivery formulations to reduce side effects of NSAIDs continues to be a focus of current research. In this regard, enteric nanoparticles have been recognized as a potential system to reduce gastrointestinal irritations. The aim of this study was to apply a two-level factorial design with three factors to the formulation of indomethacin-loaded nanoparticles. The effect of the polymer matrix and the surfactant on encapsulation efficiency was estimated. Statistical analysis of multilevel factorial design has shown 7 significance effects on evaluated response (95% confidence level), while PEG had shown the greater influence due to its co-surfactant behavior. Moreover, the process yield, particle morphology, and in vitro dissolution profile of the nanoparticles have been evaluated.

Determination of Trace-metals in Sediments and Plants on Canal of Jandi· andIgarape of Fortaleza in Macap·-AP-Brazil

Aims: Determine the concentration of trace -metals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Pb and Zn)in sediments and plantCenchrus echinatusL. species on Canal of Jandi· and Igarape of Fortaleza in the municipal ity of Macapa, Amapa, Brazil . Study Design:The sediment samples were collected (0.3kg) at 05 points on Canal of Jandi· and Igarape of Fortaleza , totaling 10 sampling points, where each point contained OriginalResea rch Article