Chromone derivatives exhibiting high absorbance values in the UVA/UVB region were synthesized, and their photoprotective properties were evaluated. Chromones were prepared according to known literature procedures and characterized by high resolution mass spectrometry, infrared (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The in vitro solar protection factor (SPF) was determined by the Mansur method and cytotoxicity was evaluated using the sulforhodamine B assay. Two of the chromones synthesized demonstrated suitable SPF values and displayed no cytotoxic effect towards MRC-5 human fibroblasts at the tested concentrations, indicating great potential for future in vivo assays and clinical trials. Finally, the lead compound was incorporated into a nanoemulsion. Nanoemulsions showed high droplet size homogeneity and excellent stability. Chromones bearing methoxy substituents were found to be the most promising compounds with ideal photoprotective properties desirable for utilization and incorporation in sunscreen formulations.

Selecting a polymer depends on its characteristics, the properties of the drug and of the remaining ingredients in the formulation. The drug, when incorporated into a polymeric matrix, can show several advantages when compared with its conventional form. In this context, this work describes the preparation and characterization of polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000) and its derivative particles loaded with benznidazole, as well as evaluates their trypanocidal activity. In this work, reactions to modify the PEG 4000 polymer and the subsequent incorporation of the benznidazole were made. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed the efficiency in modifying the PEG chains. The morphology of polymeric films was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and showed considerable changes on the film organization. The acetylation of PEG favored the stability of the system and an increase in the zeta potential from ?14.83 to ?25.54 mV was observed. Although encapsulation efficiency values between 30.14 and 39.48% were found, the enhanced benznidazole dissolution profile by microparticles enables the use of lower drug concentrations. This fact can be proven by the increased trypanocidal effect of benznidazole when encapsulated in BP3 microparticles. Finally, the high selectivity of the formulations for trypanocidal action guarantees their safety as an alternative for the treatment of the Chagas disease.

The chemical composition of the essential oil of the aerial parts of Microlicia graveolens DC., Melastomataceae, growing wild in the mountains of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was investigated for the first time. A pale orange to colourless oil was obtained in a yield of 4.8%. The oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The main components were (+)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (78.9%), (-)-trans-pinocarvyl acetate (5.5%) and β-pinene (3.8%).