The goal of this project was to develop a non-toxic amphiphilic diblock copolymer nanoparticulate drug delivery system that will solubilize paclitaxel (PTX) and retain the drug in plasma. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MePEG-b-PCL) diblock copolymers loaded with PTX were characterized and their physicochemical properties were correlated with their performance as nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. A series of MePEG-b-PCL was synthesized with PCL blocks ranging from 2-104 repeat units and MePEG blocks of 17, 44 or 114 repeat units. All copolymers were water soluble and formed micelles except MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄, which was water insoluble and formed nanospheres. Investigation of the effects of block length on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles was used to select appropriate copolymers for development as PTX nanoparticles. The critical micelle concentration, pyrene partition coefficient and diameter of nanoparticles were found to be dependent on the PCL block length. Copolymers based on a MePEG molecular weight of 750 g/mol were found to have temperature dependent phase behavior. Relationships between the concentration of micellized drug and the compatibility between the drug and core-forming block, as determined by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, and PCL block length were developed. Increases in the compatibility between PCL and the drug, as well as longer PCL block lengths resulted in increased drug solubilization. The physicochemical properties and drug delivery performance characteristics of MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₉ micelles and MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄ nanospheres were compared. Nanospheres were larger, had a more viscous core, solubilized more PTX and released it slower, compared to micelles. No difference was seen in the hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles as assessed by plasma coagulation time and erythrocyte hemolysis. Micellar PTX had an in vitro plasma distribution similar to free drug. The majority of micellar PTX associated with the lipoprotein deficient plasma fraction (LPDP). In contrast, nanospheres were capable of retaining more of the encapsulated drug with significantly less PTX partitioning into the LPDP fraction. In conclusion, although both micelles and nanospheres were capable of solubilizing PTX and were hemocompatible, PTX nanospheres may offer the advantage of prolonged blood circulation, based on the in vitro plasma distribution data, which showed that nanospheres retained PTX more effectively.

This study aimed at guiding osteoblast cells on biodegradable polymer carriers with well-defined surface microtopography and chemistry, and investigating the effect of cell alignment on osteoblast phenotype expression. A blend of two different polyesters, one being natural in origin (PHBV) and the other synthetic (P(L/DL)LA), was used to form a film with parallel macro- (250 &micro / m wide) or microgrooves (27 &micro / m wide) on its surface, by solvent casting on patterned templates. The micropatterned Si template was produced by photolithography, while the Teflo macropatterned template was lathe cut. Fibrinogen (Fb) was adsorbed or immobilized via epichlorohydrin spacer/crosslinker on the film surfaces to enhance cell attachment by increasing the surface hydrophilicity and by providing RGD amino acid sequence for integrin binding. Surface hydrophilicity was assessed by water contact angle measurements. Adsorption of Fb caused an increase in hydrophilicity, while the opposite was achieved with its covalent immobilization. Fb was homogeneously immobilized throughout the whole micropatterned film surface with amount of 153.1 &plusmn / 42.4 g Fb/cm2, determined with the Bradford assay, while it was adsorbed within the grooves of the micropattern. Surface characteristics of the films were studied with Scanning Electron (SEM) and Light microscopy. Osteoblast cells derived from rat bone marrow were seeded on the polymeric films with different surface topography and chemistry and were grown for one and three weeks. Osteoblast proliferation on the films was determined with Cell Titer 96 TM Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation (MTS) test. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) assay and tetracycline labelling of mineralized matrix were carried out to determine osteoblast phenotype expression on different surfaces. SEM and fluorescence microscopy were used to evaluate the cell alignment. Osteoblasts on the micropatterned films with adsorbed Fb aligned along the groove axis with a mean deviation angle of 13.1o, while on the unpatterned films deviation from horizontal axis was 63.2o and cells were randomly distributed. Cell alignment did not affect cell proliferation. However, the highest ALP specific activity and the most homogeneous mineral distribution were obtained on the Fb adsorbed micropatterned films.

The goal of this project was to develop a non-toxic amphiphilic diblock copolymer nanoparticulate drug delivery system that will solubilize paclitaxel (PTX) and retain the drug in plasma. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MePEG-b-PCL) diblock copolymers loaded with PTX were characterized and their physicochemical properties were correlated with their performance as nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. A series of MePEG-b-PCL was synthesized with PCL blocks ranging from 2-104 repeat units and MePEG blocks of 17, 44 or 114 repeat units. All copolymers were water soluble and formed micelles except MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄, which was water insoluble and formed nanospheres. Investigation of the effects of block length on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles was used to select appropriate copolymers for development as PTX nanoparticles. The critical micelle concentration, pyrene partition coefficient and diameter of nanoparticles were found to be dependent on the PCL block length. Copolymers based on a MePEG molecular weight of 750 g/mol were found to have temperature dependent phase behavior. Relationships between the concentration of micellized drug and the compatibility between the drug and core-forming block, as determined by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, and PCL block length were developed. Increases in the compatibility between PCL and the drug, as well as longer PCL block lengths resulted in increased drug solubilization. The physicochemical properties and drug delivery performance characteristics of MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₉ micelles and MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄ nanospheres were compared. Nanospheres were larger, had a more viscous core, solubilized more PTX and released it slower, compared to micelles. No difference was seen in the hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles as assessed by plasma coagulation time and erythrocyte hemolysis. Micellar PTX had an in vitro plasma distribution similar to free drug. The majority of micellar PTX associated with the lipoprotein deficient plasma fraction (LPDP). In contrast, nanospheres were capable of retaining more of the encapsulated drug with significantly less PTX partitioning into the LPDP fraction. In conclusion, although both micelles and nanospheres were capable of solubilizing PTX and were hemocompatible, PTX nanospheres may offer the advantage of prolonged blood circulation, based on the in vitro plasma distribution data, which showed that nanospheres retained PTX more effectively.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A utilização de polímeros biodegradáveis é uma das formas de minimizar o grande volume de descartes de materiais poliméricos que tendem a aumentar cada vez mais causando dano ao meio ambiente. Existem vários métodos de avaliação de biodegradação de polímeros que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novos materiais biodegradáveis. Nessa dissertação foi avaliada a biodegradação do compósito de matriz de polímero comercial à base de poliéster e amido e fibra de coco verde. Foram usados dois métodos, em solo simulado e em ambiente marinho. A biodegradação dos compósitos foi avaliada através das análises de: Perda de massa, Microscopia ótica (MO), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Calorimetria Diferencial de Varredura (DSC), Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA) e Espectroscopia na região do Infravermelho (FTIR). Além disso, foi realizada uma comparação entre desempenho de biodegradação do material nos dois ambientes. A velocidade de biodegradação no ambiente marinho é maior do que no solo simulado / The use of biodegradable polymers is one of the ways to minimize the large volume discharges of polymer materials which tend to increase causing more damage to the environment. There are several methods for evaluation of polymer biodegradation which can contribute to the development of new biodegradable materials. In this dissertation was evaluated the biodegradation of a polymer composite commercial with matrix based on polyester and starch and green coconut fiber. Two methods were used, simulated soil and marine environment. The biodegradation of the composites was evaluated by mass loss, optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, it was performed a comparison between the biodegradation of the material in both environments. The biodegradation rate of the marine environment is greater than the simulated ground

Tradicionalmente, no tratamento de feridas graves o antimicrobiano tópico deve ser aplicado uma a duas vezes ao dia na área lesada para reduzir as infecções. No entanto, os pacientes geralmente sofrem desconforto com a aplicação de drogas tópicas e com a troca de curativos. Nesse contexto, o desenvolvimento de sistemas curativos biodegradáveis contendo fármaco antimicrobiano são fundamentais para a promoção de ações terapêuticas, reduzindo as infecções causadas por microrganismos e podendo substituir os curativos convencionas que não possuem polímeros biodegradáveis em sua composição. Para ir de encontro com essa necessidade, filmes de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram preparados por meio de duas abordagens. Na primeira abordagem filmes de PBAT obtidos por casting foram funcionalizados por radiação UV durante 90 minutos na presença de O2 atmosférico para posterior inserção de gentamicina na superfície através de soluções tampões contendo EDC e gentamicina. A superfície das amostras foi analisada pelo WCA, FTIR-ATR e XPS. A análise antimicrobiana dos filmes também foi realizada. Os resultados para os filmes de PBAT por casting mostram que o tempo de irradiação produziu superfícies altamente hidrofílicas com grupos oxigenados enxertados na superfície do polímero (C=O e C-OH). A análise antimicrobiana indicou que a gentamicina não ligou covalentemente com o PBAT, porém observou-se a presença de nitrogênio na superfície das amostras pela análise de XPS Na segunda abordagem foram preparadas fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina a partir da eletrofiação. As soluções utilizadas no processo de eletrofiação foram preparadas com diferentes concentrações de gentamicina e passaram por análises de condutividade e viscosidade. As fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram caracterizadas quanto a suas propriedades físico-químicas, morfológicas, térmicas, antimicrobianas e biológicas. Nos resultados obtidos para as fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina observou-se que não houve mudança nos espectros após a mistura dos materiais, uma vez que as bandas de absorção foram preservadas e não houve o aparecimento de novos picos. A presença da gentamicina modificou a morfologia das amostras, diminuindo o diâmetro das fibras. O grau de intumescimento foi alterado com o acréscimo de gentamicina e houve modificação da morfologia das fibras após 48 horas de imersão em PBS, porém as fibras mantiveram-se presentes. A gentamicina aumentou o grau de molhabilidade das fibras PBAT. As fibras de PBAT/gentamicina possuem atividade antimicrobiana frente às cepas de E. coli e não apresentaram citotoxicidadede acordo com o padrão ISO 10993-5. Estes resultados reforçam que o PBAT pode ser usado como um sistema curativo com incorporação de fármaco, mostrando ser uma alternativa interessante de curativo/adesivo para uso tópico. / Traditionally in the treatment of serious wounds, topical antimicrobial should be applied 1–2 times daily to the injured area to reduce infections. However, patients often suffer from discomfort with the application of topical drugs and with the exchange of dressings. In this context, the development of biodegradable curative systems containing antimicrobial drug are fundamental for the promotion of therapeutic actions, reducing the infections caused by microorganisms and being able to substitute conventional dressings that there aren’t biodegradable polymers in their composition. To meet this need, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin films were prepared using two approaches. In the first approach PBAT films obtained by casting were functionalized by UV radiation for 90 minutes in the presence of atmospheric O2 for subsequent insertion of gentamicin on the surface through buffer solutions containing EDC and gentamicin. The surface of the samples was analyzed by the WCA, FTIR-ATR and XPS. Antimicrobial analysis of the films was also performed. The results for the PBAT films by casting show that the irradiation time produced highly hydrophilic surfaces with oxygenated groups grafted onto the polymer surface (C=O and C-OH). Antimicrobial analysis indicated that gentamycin did not bind covalently with PBAT, but nitrogen was observed on the surface of the samples by XPS analysis In the second approach, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were prepared from the electrospun. The solutions used in the electrospun process were prepared with different concentrations of gentamicin and underwent conductivity and viscosity analyzes. The PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were characterized as their physical-chemical, morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and biological properties. In the results obtained for the PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers, it was observed that there was no change in the spectra after the materials were mixed, since the absorption bands were preserved and there were no new peaks. The presence of gentamicin modified the morphology of the samples, reducing the diameter of the fibers. The degree of swelling was altered with the addition of gentamicin and there was a change in the morphology of the fibers after 48 hours of immersion in PBS, but the fibers remained present. Gentamicin increased the degree of wettability of PBAT fibers. PBAT/gentamicin fibers have antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains and did not present cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5 standard. These results reinforce that PBAT can be used as a curative system with drug incorporation, proving to be an interesting dressing/adhesive alternative for topical use.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A utilização de polímeros biodegradáveis é uma das formas de minimizar o grande volume de descartes de materiais poliméricos que tendem a aumentar cada vez mais causando dano ao meio ambiente. Existem vários métodos de avaliação de biodegradação de polímeros que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de novos materiais biodegradáveis. Nessa dissertação foi avaliada a biodegradação do compósito de matriz de polímero comercial à base de poliéster e amido e fibra de coco verde. Foram usados dois métodos, em solo simulado e em ambiente marinho. A biodegradação dos compósitos foi avaliada através das análises de: Perda de massa, Microscopia ótica (MO), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Calorimetria Diferencial de Varredura (DSC), Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA) e Espectroscopia na região do Infravermelho (FTIR). Além disso, foi realizada uma comparação entre desempenho de biodegradação do material nos dois ambientes. A velocidade de biodegradação no ambiente marinho é maior do que no solo simulado / The use of biodegradable polymers is one of the ways to minimize the large volume discharges of polymer materials which tend to increase causing more damage to the environment. There are several methods for evaluation of polymer biodegradation which can contribute to the development of new biodegradable materials. In this dissertation was evaluated the biodegradation of a polymer composite commercial with matrix based on polyester and starch and green coconut fiber. Two methods were used, simulated soil and marine environment. The biodegradation of the composites was evaluated by mass loss, optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, it was performed a comparison between the biodegradation of the material in both environments. The biodegradation rate of the marine environment is greater than the simulated ground

Tradicionalmente, no tratamento de feridas graves o antimicrobiano tópico deve ser aplicado uma a duas vezes ao dia na área lesada para reduzir as infecções. No entanto, os pacientes geralmente sofrem desconforto com a aplicação de drogas tópicas e com a troca de curativos. Nesse contexto, o desenvolvimento de sistemas curativos biodegradáveis contendo fármaco antimicrobiano são fundamentais para a promoção de ações terapêuticas, reduzindo as infecções causadas por microrganismos e podendo substituir os curativos convencionas que não possuem polímeros biodegradáveis em sua composição. Para ir de encontro com essa necessidade, filmes de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram preparados por meio de duas abordagens. Na primeira abordagem filmes de PBAT obtidos por casting foram funcionalizados por radiação UV durante 90 minutos na presença de O2 atmosférico para posterior inserção de gentamicina na superfície através de soluções tampões contendo EDC e gentamicina. A superfície das amostras foi analisada pelo WCA, FTIR-ATR e XPS. A análise antimicrobiana dos filmes também foi realizada. Os resultados para os filmes de PBAT por casting mostram que o tempo de irradiação produziu superfícies altamente hidrofílicas com grupos oxigenados enxertados na superfície do polímero (C=O e C-OH). A análise antimicrobiana indicou que a gentamicina não ligou covalentemente com o PBAT, porém observou-se a presença de nitrogênio na superfície das amostras pela análise de XPS Na segunda abordagem foram preparadas fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina a partir da eletrofiação. As soluções utilizadas no processo de eletrofiação foram preparadas com diferentes concentrações de gentamicina e passaram por análises de condutividade e viscosidade. As fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram caracterizadas quanto a suas propriedades físico-químicas, morfológicas, térmicas, antimicrobianas e biológicas. Nos resultados obtidos para as fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina observou-se que não houve mudança nos espectros após a mistura dos materiais, uma vez que as bandas de absorção foram preservadas e não houve o aparecimento de novos picos. A presença da gentamicina modificou a morfologia das amostras, diminuindo o diâmetro das fibras. O grau de intumescimento foi alterado com o acréscimo de gentamicina e houve modificação da morfologia das fibras após 48 horas de imersão em PBS, porém as fibras mantiveram-se presentes. A gentamicina aumentou o grau de molhabilidade das fibras PBAT. As fibras de PBAT/gentamicina possuem atividade antimicrobiana frente às cepas de E. coli e não apresentaram citotoxicidadede acordo com o padrão ISO 10993-5. Estes resultados reforçam que o PBAT pode ser usado como um sistema curativo com incorporação de fármaco, mostrando ser uma alternativa interessante de curativo/adesivo para uso tópico. / Traditionally in the treatment of serious wounds, topical antimicrobial should be applied 1–2 times daily to the injured area to reduce infections. However, patients often suffer from discomfort with the application of topical drugs and with the exchange of dressings. In this context, the development of biodegradable curative systems containing antimicrobial drug are fundamental for the promotion of therapeutic actions, reducing the infections caused by microorganisms and being able to substitute conventional dressings that there aren’t biodegradable polymers in their composition. To meet this need, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin films were prepared using two approaches. In the first approach PBAT films obtained by casting were functionalized by UV radiation for 90 minutes in the presence of atmospheric O2 for subsequent insertion of gentamicin on the surface through buffer solutions containing EDC and gentamicin. The surface of the samples was analyzed by the WCA, FTIR-ATR and XPS. Antimicrobial analysis of the films was also performed. The results for the PBAT films by casting show that the irradiation time produced highly hydrophilic surfaces with oxygenated groups grafted onto the polymer surface (C=O and C-OH). Antimicrobial analysis indicated that gentamycin did not bind covalently with PBAT, but nitrogen was observed on the surface of the samples by XPS analysis In the second approach, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were prepared from the electrospun. The solutions used in the electrospun process were prepared with different concentrations of gentamicin and underwent conductivity and viscosity analyzes. The PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were characterized as their physical-chemical, morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and biological properties. In the results obtained for the PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers, it was observed that there was no change in the spectra after the materials were mixed, since the absorption bands were preserved and there were no new peaks. The presence of gentamicin modified the morphology of the samples, reducing the diameter of the fibers. The degree of swelling was altered with the addition of gentamicin and there was a change in the morphology of the fibers after 48 hours of immersion in PBS, but the fibers remained present. Gentamicin increased the degree of wettability of PBAT fibers. PBAT/gentamicin fibers have antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains and did not present cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5 standard. These results reinforce that PBAT can be used as a curative system with drug incorporation, proving to be an interesting dressing/adhesive alternative for topical use.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) PHBV is a biodegradable polyester produced by various microorganisms, which has been studied as an option for the production of disposable items in place of polymers derived from petroleum, thus contributing to the preservation of the environment. However, this thermoplastic has some disadvantages that limit its use in industrial scale applications: the relative difficulty of processing, low elongation at break, high degree of crystallinity and high cost of production relative to conventional polymers. An alternative to improve the properties of PHBV is the incorporation of small amounts of clay to the polymer, producing polymer /clay composites. The attapulgite is a typical fibrous clay. It has a surface area around 125 to 210 m2 /g and a cation exchange capacity from 20 to 30 milliequivalents per 100g of clay. The objective of this work was the production and characterization of biodegradable composites of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co- 3-hydroxyvalerate) - PHBV reinforced with natural attapulgite (AT) or attapulgite modified with hexadecylmethylammonium chloride (ATM) in different compositions ( 1, 3 and 5%). The composites were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The best results were obtained with incorporation of ATM levels greater than 3% (w /w). In these cases, it was observed reduction of the degree of crystallinity and decreasing of melting and glass transition temperatures as compared to PHBV films. However, the presence of attapulgite decreased the thermal stability of PHBV. / O poli(3-hidroxibutirato-co-3-hidroxivalerato) - PHBV é um poliéster biodegradável, produzido por diversos microorganismos que vem sendo estudado como uma opção para a produção de artigos descartáveis em substituição a polímeros derivados de petróleo, contribuindo, assim, para a preservação do meio ambiente. No entanto, este termoplástico apresenta algumas desvantagens que limitam seu uso no desenvolvimento de aplicações industriais: relativa dificuldade de processamento, baixo alongamento na ruptura, alto grau de cristalinidade e custo elevado de produção em relação a polímeros convencionais. Uma alternativa para melhorar as propriedades do PHBV é a incorporação de pequenas quantidades de argilomineral ao polímero, produzindo compósitos polímero/argila. A atapulgita é um argilomineral tipicamente fibroso. Possui uma área superficial em torno de 125 a 210 m2/g e uma capacidade de troca catiônica de 20 a 30 miliequivalentes por 100g de argila. O objetivo deste trabalho foi a obtenção e caracterização de nanocompósitos biodegradáveis de poli (3- hidroxibutirato-co-3-hidroxivalerato) - PHBV reforçados com atapulgita natural (AT) ou com atapulgita modificada com cloreto de hexadecil trimetil amônio (ATM), em diferentes composições (1, 3 e 5%). Os compósitos foram caracterizados por Difração de Raios X (DRX), Espectroscopia no Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Calorimetria Diferencial de Varredura (DSC), Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA) e Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN). Quando comparados com os filmes de PHBV, a incorporação de teores de ATM maiores do que 3% (p/p) propiciaram a redução do grau de cristalinidade, diminuição das temperaturas de fusão e de transição vítrea. A presença da atapulgita diminuiu a estabilidade térmica do PHBV. Foi observada uma diminuição na temperatura de cristalização e uma diminuição no grau de cristalinidade do polímero em função do acréscimo de argila à matriz do PHBV.

The goal of this project was to develop a non-toxic amphiphilic diblock copolymer nanoparticulate drug delivery system that will solubilize paclitaxel (PTX) and retain the drug in plasma. Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MePEG-b-PCL) diblock copolymers loaded with PTX were characterized and their physicochemical properties were correlated with their performance as nanoparticulate drug delivery systems. A series of MePEG-b-PCL was synthesized with PCL blocks ranging from 2-104 repeat units and MePEG blocks of 17, 44 or 114 repeat units. All copolymers were water soluble and formed micelles except MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄, which was water insoluble and formed nanospheres. Investigation of the effects of block length on the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles was used to select appropriate copolymers for development as PTX nanoparticles. The critical micelle concentration, pyrene partition coefficient and diameter of nanoparticles were found to be dependent on the PCL block length. Copolymers based on a MePEG molecular weight of 750 g/mol were found to have temperature dependent phase behavior. Relationships between the concentration of micellized drug and the compatibility between the drug and core-forming block, as determined by the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter, and PCL block length were developed. Increases in the compatibility between PCL and the drug, as well as longer PCL block lengths resulted in increased drug solubilization. The physicochemical properties and drug delivery performance characteristics of MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₉ micelles and MePEG₁₁₄-b-PCL₁₀₄ nanospheres were compared. Nanospheres were larger, had a more viscous core, solubilized more PTX and released it slower, compared to micelles. No difference was seen in the hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles as assessed by plasma coagulation time and erythrocyte hemolysis. Micellar PTX had an in vitro plasma distribution similar to free drug. The majority of micellar PTX associated with the lipoprotein deficient plasma fraction (LPDP). In contrast, nanospheres were capable of retaining more of the encapsulated drug with significantly less PTX partitioning into the LPDP fraction. In conclusion, although both micelles and nanospheres were capable of solubilizing PTX and were hemocompatible, PTX nanospheres may offer the advantage of prolonged blood circulation, based on the in vitro plasma distribution data, which showed that nanospheres retained PTX more effectively. / Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of / Graduate

Tradicionalmente, no tratamento de feridas graves o antimicrobiano tópico deve ser aplicado uma a duas vezes ao dia na área lesada para reduzir as infecções. No entanto, os pacientes geralmente sofrem desconforto com a aplicação de drogas tópicas e com a troca de curativos. Nesse contexto, o desenvolvimento de sistemas curativos biodegradáveis contendo fármaco antimicrobiano são fundamentais para a promoção de ações terapêuticas, reduzindo as infecções causadas por microrganismos e podendo substituir os curativos convencionas que não possuem polímeros biodegradáveis em sua composição. Para ir de encontro com essa necessidade, filmes de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram preparados por meio de duas abordagens. Na primeira abordagem filmes de PBAT obtidos por casting foram funcionalizados por radiação UV durante 90 minutos na presença de O2 atmosférico para posterior inserção de gentamicina na superfície através de soluções tampões contendo EDC e gentamicina. A superfície das amostras foi analisada pelo WCA, FTIR-ATR e XPS. A análise antimicrobiana dos filmes também foi realizada. Os resultados para os filmes de PBAT por casting mostram que o tempo de irradiação produziu superfícies altamente hidrofílicas com grupos oxigenados enxertados na superfície do polímero (C=O e C-OH). A análise antimicrobiana indicou que a gentamicina não ligou covalentemente com o PBAT, porém observou-se a presença de nitrogênio na superfície das amostras pela análise de XPS Na segunda abordagem foram preparadas fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina a partir da eletrofiação. As soluções utilizadas no processo de eletrofiação foram preparadas com diferentes concentrações de gentamicina e passaram por análises de condutividade e viscosidade. As fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina foram caracterizadas quanto a suas propriedades físico-químicas, morfológicas, térmicas, antimicrobianas e biológicas. Nos resultados obtidos para as fibras de PBAT e PBAT/gentamicina observou-se que não houve mudança nos espectros após a mistura dos materiais, uma vez que as bandas de absorção foram preservadas e não houve o aparecimento de novos picos. A presença da gentamicina modificou a morfologia das amostras, diminuindo o diâmetro das fibras. O grau de intumescimento foi alterado com o acréscimo de gentamicina e houve modificação da morfologia das fibras após 48 horas de imersão em PBS, porém as fibras mantiveram-se presentes. A gentamicina aumentou o grau de molhabilidade das fibras PBAT. As fibras de PBAT/gentamicina possuem atividade antimicrobiana frente às cepas de E. coli e não apresentaram citotoxicidadede acordo com o padrão ISO 10993-5. Estes resultados reforçam que o PBAT pode ser usado como um sistema curativo com incorporação de fármaco, mostrando ser uma alternativa interessante de curativo/adesivo para uso tópico. / Traditionally in the treatment of serious wounds, topical antimicrobial should be applied 1–2 times daily to the injured area to reduce infections. However, patients often suffer from discomfort with the application of topical drugs and with the exchange of dressings. In this context, the development of biodegradable curative systems containing antimicrobial drug are fundamental for the promotion of therapeutic actions, reducing the infections caused by microorganisms and being able to substitute conventional dressings that there aren’t biodegradable polymers in their composition. To meet this need, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin films were prepared using two approaches. In the first approach PBAT films obtained by casting were functionalized by UV radiation for 90 minutes in the presence of atmospheric O2 for subsequent insertion of gentamicin on the surface through buffer solutions containing EDC and gentamicin. The surface of the samples was analyzed by the WCA, FTIR-ATR and XPS. Antimicrobial analysis of the films was also performed. The results for the PBAT films by casting show that the irradiation time produced highly hydrophilic surfaces with oxygenated groups grafted onto the polymer surface (C=O and C-OH). Antimicrobial analysis indicated that gentamycin did not bind covalently with PBAT, but nitrogen was observed on the surface of the samples by XPS analysis In the second approach, PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were prepared from the electrospun. The solutions used in the electrospun process were prepared with different concentrations of gentamicin and underwent conductivity and viscosity analyzes. The PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers were characterized as their physical-chemical, morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and biological properties. In the results obtained for the PBAT and PBAT/gentamicin fibers, it was observed that there was no change in the spectra after the materials were mixed, since the absorption bands were preserved and there were no new peaks. The presence of gentamicin modified the morphology of the samples, reducing the diameter of the fibers. The degree of swelling was altered with the addition of gentamicin and there was a change in the morphology of the fibers after 48 hours of immersion in PBS, but the fibers remained present. Gentamicin increased the degree of wettability of PBAT fibers. PBAT/gentamicin fibers have antimicrobial activity against E. coli strains and did not present cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5 standard. These results reinforce that PBAT can be used as a curative system with drug incorporation, proving to be an interesting dressing/adhesive alternative for topical use.