3D printing of modified release tablets employing fusion modeling. Prof. Marcílio Cunha-Filho

The central objective of this project is to explore the fusion modeling in obtaining 3D-modified release tablets. To this end, the necessary adaptations will be studied in the fusion modeling printers available in the market for a better adaptation to the pharmaceutical need; new materials with potential for drug release control will be studied and that present the characteristics necessary for the process; the conditions of processing of the thermoextrusion that favor 3D printing will be evaluated and, finally, the physical-chemical characteristics and stability of the tablets will be evaluated.

Funding agencies: FAP-DF and CNPq

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Nanostructured formulations for the treatment of skin diseases associated with hair follicles. Prof. Guilherme M. Gelfuso

This study proposes the development of two innovative topical formulations, one of which contains the combination of clindamycin and rifampicin in nanostructured lipid carriers (CLNs) for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and the other containing a latanoprost and minoxidil association also encapsulated in CLNs for controlling androgenic alopecia. These formulations will be developed with characteristics that favor the greater accumulation of the drugs in the hair follicles so that the topical therapy of their diseases is optimized.

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Iontophoresis of aluminum chloride phthalocyanine/cyclodextrinsinclusion complexes for topical photodynamic therapy of skin tumors. Prof. Guilherme M. Gelfuso

Photodynamic therapy is a therapeutic modality clinically investigated for the localized treatment of cancerous or pre-cancerous pathologies, in which a photosensitizing agent (porphyrins, phthalocyanines or chlorins) is applied to tissue and their cytotoxic effect is activated by excitation a laser. The greatest limitation for topical application of phthalocyanines, such as aluminum phthalocyanine chloride (AlFcCl), is the high lipophilicity of these molecules that induce aggregation, reduces its photophysical effects, and hampers their transport through the skin. In this context, iontophoresis is established as one of the most promising strategies to encourage topical and transdermal penetration of molecules. However, the application of iontophoresis to enhance the release of highly lipophilic compounds like AlFcCl is limited due to the lack of electric charge of the molecule. To make AlFcCl adequate to suffer influence of iontophoresis, this project proposes the development of inclusion complexes of the photosensitizing agent with charged cyclodextrins, which should increase the solubility of the drug and allow its release for iontophoretic accumulation in tumor tissue

Funding agency: FAP-DF

 

Iontophoresis and cationic, mucoadhesive nanoparticles as strategies to topical therapy of head and neck tumors

Prof. Guilherme M. Gelfuso

This project proposes two different approaches to topical chemotherapy of head and neck tumors: (i) iontophoresis as a method capable of quickly increase oxaliplatin delivery to tumors and (ii) oxaliplatin-loaded in chitosan nanoparticles with mucoadhesive properties to maintain drug levels in tumoral site. These approaches will be studied alone and in association

Funding agencies: CNPq, FAP-DF and University of Brasília

 

Development of multiparticulate systems to treatment of Chagas disease using combined therapy of benznidazole and itraconazole

Prof. Marcílio Cunha-Filho

Chagas disease affects over 15 million people in Latin America and its pharmacological treatment is uneffetive in chronical stage of disease due to problems related to low bioavailability of current used drugs. This project aims at developing a more effective  medicine to theat Chagas disease using as estrategy  microparticulated benznidazole and itraconazole in association

Funding agency: CNPq

 

Development of nanoparticulate formulations containing active extracts of Brazilian plants

Prof. Guilherme M. Gelfuso

The objective of this project is to develop, characterize and evaluate effectivenss of stable formulations based in Nanotechnology to encapsulate extracts of Brazilian plants, as novel therapeutic alternatives to topically and systemically treat pathologies or associated conditions

Funding agency: CNPq

 

Obtaining innovative formulations containing nanoencapsuled cupuacu extract for treating skin wounds and burns

Prof. Taís Gratieri.

Since ancient times, various plant extracts have been used to treat wounds and burns. The acetone extract of the seeds of cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) has already used by some Amazonian communities to treat various skin lesions. Based on this information, research group of Neuroinflammation Laboratory of the Federal University of Pará has evaluated the pharmacological action of this crude extract in the repairing of skin wounds, and has obtained promising results. However, for the safe placement of a particular natural extract, a biocompatible formulation for conveying, capable of maintaining the hydrated tissue and having easy spreading and be easily removed is required. Thus, this design is intended to obtain a safe, effective and convenient treatment for the treatment of burns and wounds based on the use of a natural product Amazon, wherein the natural extract is incorporated to a novel pharmaceutical formulation. The work is carried out as a partnership of four institutions: Federal University of Pará (UFPA), University of Brasilia (UNB), University of São Paulo (USP-RP) and Federal University of Goiás (UFG). Thus, we seek to bring together expertise and establish a network for the use of Brazilian biodiversity and scientific and technological development of the country.

Funding agency: FAP-DF

 

Development of mucoadhesive liposomes to treat infectious ocular diseases and evaluation of iontophoresis to therapeutical potencialization

Profa. Taís Gratieri

This project aims at developing an innovative therapeutical proposal to effectively treatment of infections ocular diseases. Such propose is based on developing of mucoadhesive lipid nanosystems (liposomes) associated with iontophoresis to potencialyze effects. It is expected that mucoahesiveness prolong residence period of formulation with higher delivery amounts of drug in affected tissues, which could mean increase in bioavailability. It will be also investigated potencial of iontophoresis in both accumulating liposomes in ocular mucosa and increasing permeability of microorganisms to drug, thus potencialyzing therapeutic effects

Funding agencies: CNPq, FAP-DF and CAPES

 

Applying hot melting extrusion in obtaining modified drug delivery systems to oral and topical therapies

Prof. Marcílio Cunha-Filho

The objective of this project is employing hot melting extrusion technique to develop innovative therapeutic systems to both oral and topical delivery of the antifungal fluconazole

Funding agency: FAP-DF