RESUMO
Biomineralization is the process by which diverse organisms have the capacity to create heterogeneous accumulations, derived from organic and inorganic compounds that induce the process of mineral formation. An example of this can be seen an extrapallial protein (EP) of Mytilus californianus, which is responsible for carrying out the biomineralization process. In order to determine their ability to perform the biomineralization process, EP protein was absorbed and mixed in chitosan scaffolds which were tested in simulated physiological fluid. The materials were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive electron X-ray spectroscopy andX-ray diffraction. Results confirmed that the EP protein stimulates the rapid growth of biological apatite on the chitosan scaffolds. The mixing method favored more the apatite growth as well as the formation of second nucleation sites than the immersion method.
RESUMO
Sophisen, a new ophthalmic drug carrier, was characterized using physicochemical and morphological criteria. Diclofenac belongs to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory molecule group and its ophthalmic use avoids side effects produced by steroid drugs. Cyclosporine-A is a cyclic peptide used as an immunosuppressive when administrated systemically. Its application in ophthalmology has been reported, but it is a very poor soluble drug. Diclofenac sodium and Cyclosporine-A were mixed with Sophisen to render two new ophthalmic solutions that were named 3A Ofteno and Modusik-A Ofteno, respectively. Based on transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering studies, we concluded that Sophisen is a polydisperse solution with a molecular weight of 413 +/-122 kDa, whereas 3A Ofteno and Modusik-A Ofteno are monodisperse solutions with molecular weights of 169 +/- 44 and 153 +/- 10, respectively. Sophisen was shown to be a good carrier for diclofenac sodium as evaluated by passive diffusion through the cornea. A comparative study suggests that diclofenac applied as eye drops was better tolerated when associated with Sophisen. In addition, Modusik-A Ofteno, a new aqueous solution of Cyclosporine-A, improved tear production in patients with moderate or severe dry eye condition.
Assuntos
Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/administração & dosagem , Ciclosporina/administração & dosagem , Diclofenaco/administração & dosagem , Portadores de Fármacos , Síndromes do Olho Seco/tratamento farmacológico , Imunossupressores/administração & dosagem , Soluções Oftálmicas/uso terapêutico , Animais , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/análise , Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Pressão , Ciclosporina/análise , Diclofenaco/análise , Feminino , Humanos , Imunossupressores/análise , Soluções Oftálmicas/análise , CoelhosRESUMO
In this work, the influence of an internal electric field upon the crystallization of lysozyme and thaumatin is explored using a modified design of the gel-acupuncture setup. From a crystallographic point of view, the orientation of crystals that grow preferentially over different types of electrodes inside capillary tubes is also evaluated. Finally, the crystal quality and the three-dimensional structure of these proteins grown with and without the electric field influence are analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction methods.