ABSTRACT The chronological skin aging is a progressive and natural process with genetic and physiological changes. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation may accelerate the oxidative stress, generating carcinogenesis and photoaging. Natural compounds and their applications are considered a trend in the cosmetic market. The protein-based film-forming compounds play an important role, once it collaborates for the better distribution of sunscreens on the skin. Here we investigated the in vitro photoprotective effectiveness of sunscreens containing the hydrolyzed collagen associated with UVA, UVB and/or inorganic filters. Sunscreens were developed with octocrylene (7.5%), butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (avobenzone) (3.0%) and/or titanium dioxide (5.0%), associated or not with the hydrolyzed collagen (3.0%). In vitro photoprotective effectiveness was determined in a Labsphere(r) UV2000S by the establishment of the sun protection factor (SPF) and critical wavelength (nm) values. Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics were also assayed. The hydrolyzed collagen subjectively improved the formulation sensory characteristics. However, this bioactive compound led to a decrease of the SPF values of the photoprotective formulations containing octocrylene alone and octocrylene + butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane + TiO2. This inadequate interaction may be considered during the development of new sunscreens intended to contain protein-based components.

ABSTRACT Glutaraldehyde (GTA) has been extensively used as a gelatin crosslinking agent, however, new natural ones have been suggested as more biocompatible. Polyphenols are possible candidates and the flavonols, such as rutin (RUT), also exhibit potential synergism with sunscreens and antioxidant agents used in cosmetics. In this work, gelatin microspheres (M0) were obtained and crosslinked with GTA 10 mM (MG) or RUT 10 mM (MR), dissolved in acetone:NaOH 0,01M (70:30 v/v). MG exhibited crosslinking extent of 54.4%. Gelatin, M0, MG and MR did not elicit any signs of skin damage, regarding the formation of erythema, the barrier function disruption and negative interference in the stratum corneum hydration. Oily dispersions containing M0, MG or MR, isolated or combined with benzophenone-3 or octyl methoxycinnamate, suggested that the microspheres, at a 5.0% w/w, had no additional chemical or physical photoprotective effect in vitro. Crosslinking with RUT had occurred, but in a lower degree than GTA. Microspheres had not improved sun protection parameters, although, non-treated gelatin interfered positively with the SPF for both UV filters. The in vivo studies demonstrated that these materials had very good skin compatibility.

RESUMO Os atributos físico-químicos de sistemas emulsionados são influenciados pelas características de suas gotículas de fase interna (concentração, tamanho e morfologia), as quais podem ser modificadas não apenas pelos componentes da formulação, mas também pela metodologia analítica empregada. Desta forma, o objetivo deste trabalho envolveu a caracterização físico-química de emulsões cosméticas obtidas a partir de diferentes tensoativos, bem como a introdução da tomografia de coerência óptica (OCT) como a técnica analítica utilizada para a caracterização morfológica e determinação do tamanho de partícula das formulações. Três emulsões foram preparadas, diferindo no tipo e concentração do tensoativo empregado, e seus tamanhos de gotícula foram avaliados por meio das técnicas de microscopia óptica, difração a laser e OCT. As técnicas de microscopia óptica e difração a laser forneceram tamanhos de partícula médios menores de 6.0 µm, não detectados pela técnica de OCT, que permitiu apenas a identificação de partículas maiores pertencentes à fase interna dos sistemas emulsionados. Os resultados reforçam a introdução da OCT como metodologia promissora para a caracterização morfológica de emulsões cosméticas; no entanto, a técnica requer aprimoramento para garantir maior sensibilidade na análise de partículas de menor tamanho.

ABSTRACT The physicochemical attributes of emulsified systems are influenced by the characteristics of their internal phase droplets (concentration, size and morphology), which can be modified not only by the formulation components, but also by the analytical methodology employed. Thus, the aim of this work involved the physicochemical characterization of cosmetic emulsions obtained from different surfactants, as well as the introduction of the optical coherence tomography (OCT) as the analytical technique employed for the morphological characterization and particle size determination of the formulations. Three emulsions were prepared, differing at the type and concentration of the surfactant used, and their droplet sizes were evaluated through optical microscopy, laser diffraction and OCT. The microscopic analysis and the laser diffraction techniques provided an average particle size minor than 6.0 µm, not detected by the OCT technique, which could identify only bigger particles of the emulsified systems' internal phase. The results testify that OCT was suitable for the morphological characterization of cosmetic emulsions; however, the technique needs to be improved to ensure a better sensitivity in the analysis of smaller particles.

Hidroximetilnitrofural (NFOH) é um novo composto que possui atividade leishmanicida e tripanomicida potencial. Um método apropriado foi desenvolvido e validado para a determinação de NFOH em nanopartículas de poli(n-butil cianoacrilato) (PBCA). A separação cromatográfica foi obtida usando uma coluna C18 (5 µm de tamanho de partícula, 4,6 mm de diâmetro e 150 mm de comprimento), mantida a 25 °C, fase móvel composta de água e acetonitrila 80:20 (v/v), fluxo de 1,2 mL min- 1 e detecção por UV a 265 nm. Investigaram-se os seguintes parâmetros de validação: seletividade, linearidade, exatidão, precisão e robustez (mudanças na temperatura de coluna, proporção da fase móvel e fluxo). O método mostrou-se específico, o pico de NFOH não apresentou interferência dos picos provenientes dos excipientes das nanopartículas e separado do principal produto de degradação (nitrofural). A linearidade foi obtida na faixa de 0,94-13,11 μg mL- 1 (r2=0,999). O método mostrou exatidão (recuperação de 100,7%, DPR de 0,4 %) e precisão (intra-dia e inter-dia, 9,98-9,99 μg mL- 1 e DPR 0,3% a 0,5%, respectivamente). A robustez provou que o método pode resistir às mudanças propostas. Aplicação do método otimizado revelou eficiência de encapsulação de 64,4% (n=3). Portanto, o método foi desenvolvido e validado com sucesso para a determinação da eficiência de encapsulação de nanopartículas de NFOH-PBCA.

Hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) is a new compound with potential leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activity. Despite its effectiveness, the formulators have to overcome its poor aqueous solubility. Recently, polymeric nano-scale drug delivery systems have proposed for the treatment of neglected diseases. As several studies have confirmed the advantages of such formulations, and this approach provides new analytical challenges, including the need to detect trace amounts of the drug. A suitable method was developed and validated for NFOH determination bound to poly (n-butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles. The chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18 column maintained at 25 ºC and an isocratic mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile: 80:20 (v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min-1 and UV-detection at 265 nm. Investigated validation parameters included selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision and robustness (changes in column temperature, mobile phase composition and flow). The method was specific, the peak of NFOH had no interference with any nanoparticle excipients and no co-elution with main degradation product (nitrofurazone). Linearity was over the range of 0.94 13.11 μg mL-1 (r2=0.999). The method was accurate and precise, recovery of 100.7%, RSD of 0.4%; intra-day and inter-day RSD range 9.98-9.99 μg mL-1 and 0.3% to 0.5%, respectively. Robustness confirmed that method could resist the applied changes. Application of the optimized method revealed an encapsulation efficiency of 64.4% (n=3). Therefore, the method was successfully developed and validated for the determination of the encapsulation efficiency of NFOH-PBCA nanoparticles.

A nanotecnologia se aplica a diversos setores da ciência. Na área de cosméticos, os investimentos têm reforçado a idéia de que nanoprodutos oferecem inúmeros benefícios para os consumidores. A exposição excessiva à luz solar pode causar efeitos indesejáveis, logo, a adição de filtros UV em produtos cosméticos é frequentemente usada como prevenção. O p-metoxicinamato de octila e a benzofenona-3 são filtros UV amplamente utilizados em formulações de protecção solar, que absorvem radiações UVB e UVA, respectivamente. Neste estudo, desenvolveram-se formulações de protetores solares na forma de nano e macroemulsão, mas compostos pelas mesmas matérias-primas. A nanoemulsão foi obtida pelo método da temperatura de inversão de fases (PIT). As propriedades físicas e funcionais foram avaliadas por análise visual, distribuição de tamanho de partículas e por espectrofotometria de reflectância difusa. A nanoemulsão obtida apresentou brilho azulado, menor consistência aparente quando comparada `a macroemulsão, estabilidade superior a 48 horas (22,0 ± 2,0 ° C) e distribuição de tamanhos de partícula bimodal, com média (média) de tamanhos ao redor de 10 nm (61%) e 4,5 µm (39%) . A macroemulsão apresentou aspecto leitoso, maior consistência aaprente do que nanoemulsão, instabilidade após 48 horas (22,0 ± 2,0 ºC) e distribuição de tamanhos de partícula bimodal, com média (média) de tamanhos ao redor de 202 nm (9%) e 10,4 µm (91%). O perfil de eficácia das formulações fotoprotetoras permaneceu aparentemente similar, com base em resultados obtidos por ensaios de FPS in vitro, relação UVA/UVB e comprimento de onda crítico.

Nanotechnology applies to diverse sectors of science. In cosmetic area, investments have strengthened the idea that nanoproducts provide innumerable benefits to consumers. Extreme exposition to solar light can cause undesirable effects, thus, adding UV filters in cosmetic products are often used as prevention. Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone-3 are UV filters widely used in sunscreen formulations, this UV filters absorb UVB and UVA radiation, respectively. In this study, sunscreen formulations were developed as nano and macroemulsion, but composed by the same raw material. Nanoemulsion was obtained by phase inversion temperature method (PIT). Physical and functional properties were evaluated by visual analysis, particle size distribution and by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry. Achieved nanoemulsion showed bluish brightness aspect, less apparent consistency than macroemulsion, stability longer than 48 hours (22.0 ± 2.0 °C) and bimodal particle size distribution with average (mean) sizes around 10 nm (61%) and 4.5 µm (39%). Macroemulsion showed milky aspect, higher consistency than nanoemulsion, instability after 48 hours (22.0 ± 2.0 °C) and bimodal particle size distribution with average (mean) size around 202 nm (9%) and 10.4 µm (91%). Effectiveness profile of sunscreen formulations remained apparently similar, based on achieved results of in vitro SPF, UVA/UVB ratio and critical wavelength assays.

In this study, fluid bed granulation was applied to improve the dissolution of nimodipine and spironolactone, two very poorly water-soluble drugs. Granules were obtained with different amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfate and croscarmellose sodium and then compressed into tablets. The dissolution behavior of the tablets was studied by comparing their dissolution profiles and dissolution efficiency with those obtained from physical mixtures of the drug and excipients subjected to similar conditions. Statistical analysis of the results demonstrated that the fluid bed granulation process improves the dissolution efficiency of both nimodipine and spironolactone tablets. The addition of either the surfactant or the disintegrant employed in the study proved to have a lower impact on this improvement in dissolution than the fluid bed granulation process.

A derivative spectrophotometric method was validated for quantification of acyclovir in poly (n-butylcyanoacrylate) (PBCA) nanoparticles. Specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits were established for method validation. First-derivative at 295.2 nm eliminated interferences from nanoparticle ingredients and presented linearity for acyclovir concentrations ranging from 1.25 to 40.0 µg/mL (r = 0.9999). Precision and accuracy data demonstrated good reproducibility. Recovery ranged from 99.3 to 101.2. LOD was 0.08 µg/mL and LOQ, 0.25 µg/mL. Thus, the proposed method proved to be easy, low cost, and accurate, and therefore, an useful alternative to quantify acyclovir in nanoparticles.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi melhorar as características de fluxo do fluconazol com o emprego da granulação úmida e estudar o efeito desse processo na dissolução do fármaco em cápsulas e comprimidos. O fluconazol foi submetido ao processo de granulação úmida num granulador de alta velocidade empregando Plasdone K29/32 e K90. Foram determinadas as propriedades de fluxo dos grânulos e obtidos os perfis de dissolução de cápsulas e comprimidos obtidos com os granulados em estudo. Os grânulos de fluconazol apresentaram melhores características de fluxo após o processamento, demonstradas por meio das determinações do ângulo de repouso e do índice de compressibilidade, comparativamente à matéria-prima. Adicionalmente, observou-se que o processo de granulação melhorou a eficiência de dissolução (ED) do fluconazol nos comprimidos e cápsulas.

The aim of this work was to improve fluconazole flowability by wet granulation and to study the effect of granulation on drug dissolution from tablets and capsules. Fluconazole was submitted to a process of wet granulation in a high-speed granulator using Plasdone® K29/32 or K90. Flow properties of granules and dissolution profiles for tablets and capsules produced with them were determined. Fluconazole granules demonstrated better flowability, calculated by angle of repose and compressibility index data, compared with powder. Additionally, it was observed that the granulation process improved the dissolution efficiency (ED) of fluconazole from tablets and capsules, which could also suggest an increase in bioavailability. Higher dissolution efficiencies were achieved with Plasdone® K29/32.

Existe atualmente interesse no uso da muda de pele de cobra como modelos alternativos de biomembranas da pele humana. O presente trabalho apresentou como objetivo a caracterização qualitativa de modelos alternativos de biomembranas provenientes de mudas de pele de cobra da Bothrops jararaca e Spilotis pullatus por espectroscopia Raman (FT-Raman), espectroscopia fotoacústica no infravermelho (PAS-FTIR) e calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC). As técnicas biofísicas FT-Raman, PAS-FTIR e DSC permitiram caracterizar qualitativamente os modelos alternativos de biomembranas provenientes das mudas de pele de cobra da B. jararaca e S. pullatus e identificar freqüências vibracionais e transições endotérmicas similares ao estrato córneo humano.

Recently, there has been an interest in the use of shed snake skin as alternative model biomembrane for human stratum corneum. This research work presented as objective the qualitative characterization of alternative model biomembranes from Bothrops jararaca and Spilotis pullatus by FT-Raman, PAS-FTIR and DSC. The employed biophysical techniques permitted the characterization of the biomembranes from shed snake skin of B. jararaca and S. pullatus by the identification of vibrational frequencies and endothermic transitions that are similar to those of the human stratum corneum.

As máscaras faciais peel off a base de álcool polivinílico (PVA) são formulações que, após a aplicação e secagem, formam um filme oclusivo sobre a face e, após sua remoção, conferem limpeza, ação tensora e hidratação à pele, retirando células mortas do estrato córneo, resíduos e outros materiais depositados. O extrato de soja fermentado por Bifidobacterium animalis possui açúcares, aminoácidos, peptídeos, e alto teor de isoflavonas na forma livre, quando comparado ao leite não fermentado, propiciando benefícios às formulações cosméticas, como ação antienvelhecimento, hidratação, efeito tensor e emoliência. As bases cosméticas de máscaras faciais peel off, acrescidas de extrato de soja fermentado 5,0% p/p, foram submetidas aos ensaios de Estabilidade Preliminar e Acelerada, avaliando-se 8 preparações em diversas condições de temperatura (-10,0; 5,0; 22,0 e 45,0 ºC) e tempo (máximo de 15 dias), em relação à condição inicial (48 h após o preparo). As variáveis observadas envolveram: características organolépticas, valor de pH, viscosidade aparente e tempo de secagem do filme. A preparação contendo 17,0% p/p de PVA e 0,5% p/p de goma guar foi a selecionada dentre as oito preparações elaboradas inicialmente, por ter apresentado melhor desempenho no teste de estabilidade, sendo recomendado o armazenamento em temperatura reduzida (5,0 ºC).

Peel off facial masks, based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), are formulations that, after application and drying, form an occlusive film over the face. After removing, they provide cleanness, tensor and moisturizing effects, removing dead cells, residues and other materials deposited on the stratum corneous. The soybean extract fermented by Bifidobacterium animalis has sugars, amino acids, peptides, proteins and free isoflavonoids in high concentrations, when compared to the unfermented extract, providing benefits to the cosmetic formulations like anti-aging effect, moisture, tensor action and emollience. The cosmetic bases of peel off facial masks, added with 5.0% w/w of fermented soybean extract, were submitted to Preliminary and Accelerated Stability Studies. Eight (8) preparations were evaluated in several conditions of temperature (-10.0, 5.0, 22.0 and 45.0 ºC) and time (maximum of 15 days), comparing the results with the initial condition (48 h after preparation). The variables observed were: organoleptic characteristics, pH and appearing viscosity value and film drying time. The preparation containing 17.0% w/w of PVA and 0.5% w/w of guar gum was selected between the eight preparations initially prepared, because it presented the best performance in the stability test, being recommended storage at low temperatures (5.0 ºC).

Os efeitos das variáveis das formulações na liberação da teofilina a partir da hidroxipropilmetilcelulose (HPMC) e etilcelulose (EC) em comprimidos matriciais foram estudados. Formulações de comprimidos foram preparadas pelos métodos da granulação úmida ou compressão direta usando diferentes viscosidades de HPMC. Propriedades físico-químicas dos comprimidos e liberação do fármaco foram estudadas conforme dissolução descrita no Teste 3 da Farmacopéia Americana 30ed. Ensaios "in vitro" mostraram que as formulações com 15% de Methocel® K4MPR, 15% de Methocel® K4MPRCR e 30% de Ethocel® N10STD obtidas por compressão direta apresentaram bom perfil de liberação de teofilina e a difusão foi o principal mecanismo envolvido na liberação.

In this study, the effect of ethylcellulose (EC) and 6 types of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Methocel® K100M, K100MPRCR, K15MPRCR, K4MPRCR, K4M PR and E4MCR) on release profile of theophylline from matrix tablets was evaluated. Formulations tablets were prepared by either wet granulation or direct compression technique. The tablets were evaluated for physical characteristics and in vitro release of drug was performed as described in USP 30 ed. (Test 3). All formulations with cellulose polymer produced tablets easily and with physicals characteristics in accordance with official limits. Drug dissolution tests showed that formulations with 15% of Methocel® K4MPR, 15% of Methocel® K4MPRCR and 30% of Ethocel® N10STD, obtained by direct compression method, complied with official specifications, in terms of release profile and diffusion was the main mechanism involved in theophylline delivery.

Cápsulas de liberação modificada contendo 100 mg de teofilina foram preparadas com polímeros derivados da celulose (Methocel® K100MPRCR, K15MPRCR e E4MCR) em diferentes concentrações, 15-35%, empregando-se o método volumétrico. Estudos de liberação do fármaco foram realizados de acordo com a Farmacopéia Americana 28 ed., (Teste 8), empregando aparato 1, rotação de 100 rpm e temperatura de 37 ºC em 900 mL de meio fluido intestinal sem enzimas (pH 7,5). Os perfis de dissolução foram comparados ao de duas especialidades farmacêuticas comerciais. A formulação, com 35% de Methocel® E4MCR, evidenciou perfis de liberação de acordo com as especificações e os resultados foram reprodutíveis para 10 lotes manipulados com a mesma formulação. As cápsulas comerciais de liberação prolongada contendo 100 mg de teofilina (microgrânulos), submetidas ao mesmo ensaio, apresentaram rápida liberação do fármaco, indicando que a liberação não é fator limitante para a absorção. Avaliou-se a cinética de liberação do fármaco empregando os modelos matemáticos de ordem zero, primeira ordem e Higuchi. Conclui-se que as matrizes obtidas foram capazes de modular a liberação, envolvendo os mecanismos de difusão e erosão, prevalecendo o modelo de primeira ordem e que as cápsulas de liberação modificada podem ser manipuladas, desde que testes de liberação sejam realizados.

Polymers like cellulose (MethocelTM K100MPRCR, K15MPRCR and E4MCR) at different proportions (15-35%) were used to slow the release of theophylline (100 mg) from capsules. Volumetric method for powder filling capsules was used to prepare the capsules. Drug release from capsules was performed using apparatus 1, at 100 rpm and 900 mL of intestinal medium without enzymes (pH 7.5), at 37 °C, following the USP 28th ed. (Test 8). Dissolution profiles were compared to two batches of commercial extended-release capsules. Capsules compounded with 35% (wt/wt) of MethocelTM E4MCR showed dissolution profile according to the official especifications. Similar results were reproduced with other ten compounded batches. Commercial extended-release capsules containing theophylline pellets (100 mg) showed quick drug release when submitted to the same test, indicating that, in these conditions, the capsules did not show prolonged release. Mathematical models like zero-order, first-order and Higuchi were applied in kinetic studies of theophylline release from the compounded capsules. Polymers were efficient to control the release of theophylline in capsules involving diffusion and erosion as mechanisms, and that first-order model was the best fitted one for theophylline matrix capsules. These results support that compounded extended-release capsules can be prepared, since the drug release tests can be done.

Comprimidos contendo teofilina (66.67%) e polímeros de Eudragit® NE 30D e RS 30D entre 10 e 30% foram produzidos por compressão. A influência das diferentes proporções de ésteres do ácido metacrílico, uso da lactose e fosfato de cálcio tribásico como diluente, bem como os efeitos da adição de estearato de magnésio como agente lubrificante hidrofóbico na liberação da teofilina foram estudados. Análises físico-químicas e teor de fármaco foram avaliados. Estudos da liberação do fármaco in vitro foram conduzidos em fluido gástrico simulado (pH 1,2) e fluido intestinal simulado sem pancreatina (pH 7,5). Observou-se liberação prolongada relativa de teofilina partindo de polímeros matriciais, em 7 horas de dissolução. Estearato de magnésio a 0,5% e de Eudragit® NE 30D a 10% foi considerado o sistema de liberação adequado para comprimidos matriciais comparado com de Eudragit® RS 30D nas mesmas condições (USP). Os resultados das análises físico-químicas apresentaram-se dentro das especificações. Modelos matemáticos de ordem zero, primeira ordem e Higuchi foram aplicados para estudar a liberação de teofilina nos comprimidos. Adicionalmente, foram calculadas a meia-vida (Td50%) e a velocidade de dissolução (kd). O modelo de liberação de Higuchi foi o que melhor representou a liberação do fármaco nos comprimidos, sendo demonstrado que o principal mecanismo de liberação foi a difusão.

Tablets containing theophylline (66.67%) based on a Eudragit® RS 30D and NE 30D matrices containing 10% to 30% of either of the polymer were produced by compression method. The influence of the different proportions of methacrylic esters, the use of lactose and tribasic calcium phosphate as diluents and also the effects of the addition of magnesium stearate as a hydrophobic agent lubricant on the theophylline release, were studied. Physicochemical analyses and drug content was evaluated. In vitro drug release studies were carried out in simulated gastric fluid without pepsin (pH1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid without pancreatin (pH7.5). A relatively prolonged release of theophylline from the polymer matrices for a 7 hr-release period was detected. Magnesium stearate at 0.5% and Eudragit® NE 30D at 10% was considered a better sustained-release matrix compressed theophylline tablets comparing with Eudragit® RS 30D in the same conditions (USP). Results from physicochemical analyses were in accordance with specifications. The release patterns were analyzed from the viewpoint of square-root of time and as a first-order, zero-order kinetics, and Higuchi. Additionally, half-life of release (Td50%) and dissolution rates (kd) were calculated. Higuchi was the model that better fitted theophylline kinetic, and diffusion controlled was involved.