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MS, Pharmaceutical Affairs, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand / PEO (Polyethylene Oxide) is one of the most important biodegradable polymers used in pharmaceutical formulations, mainly because of its non-toxicity, high water-solubility and swellability, insensitivity to the pH of the biological medium and flexibility during dosage form production (Kim, 1995; Picker-Freyer, 2006; Kiss et al., 2008). The lack of studies attempting to achieve controlled drug delivery of hydrophilic drugs has provided us with motivation to use a drug of this nature but we have combined it with a PEO-electrolyte combination in order to control drug delivery. This study was aimed at modifying the physicochemical and physicomechanical properties of PEO in order to influence the hydrodynamic diffusion of its three-dimensional network. Hence, through such alteration, it was envisaged that if drug is loaded into its PEO matrix, its solubility and dissolution can be regulated in order to achieve zero-order influx of dissolution medium. The interaction between PEO and electrolytes may allow for precipitation of ions on the polymer backbone. This would lead to the attraction of water molecules to the ions. As a result, this would cause dehydration of the polymer matrix, hence minimising its mobility and relaxation. In this study, 36 PEO-electrolyte combinations were prepared by combining a high molecular weight PEO with different statistically planned combinations of electrolytes. The 36 formulations were microscopically analyzed and subjected to textural analysis. The salted-out PEO-electrolyte combinations were then further selected and analyzed. Assessment of the molecular structural transition and thermal compatibility analysis indicated minimal interaction between the electrolytes and PEO indicating that the polymer-electrolyte combination was stable enough to be employed as a medium for controlled drug release. The polymer-electrolyte combination was combined with a model drug, diphenhydramine HCl to form a tablet matrix and then subjected to dissolution. In vitro drug release varied depending on the different electrolytes and their combinations. The type of polymer, molecular weight of the polymer, concentration of the polymer, different electrolyte combinations and solubility of the drug played a significant role in controlling drug release. After optimization of the fracture force, resilience and work performed values, results have established that equal concentrations of Na2CO3 and K2HPO4 are desirable for achieving controlled release of drug from the salted-out PEO combination in a zero-order manner. Furthermore, Na2CO3 and K2HPO4 had a significant influence on controlling the release of drug from the salted-out PEO combination due to crosslinking between PEO and the electrolytes ultimately leading to zero-order release kinetics. The salting-out of PEO notably modified the physicochemical and micromechanical properties of basic PEO, which demonstrably enhanced the ability of the sample to achieve controlled drug release. The formulation strategy employed in this study where in our sample drug, diphenhydramine HCl was combined with a PEO-electrolyte combination has shown promising results in regulating drug release.

A bixina é o principal carotenoide encontrado na superfície externa das sementes de Bixa orellana L., conhecida popularmente como urucum. Os extratos das sementes são largamente utilizados, tradicionalmente como condimento e no preparo de \"remédios\" caseiros para diversos tipos de doenças e sintomas. Industrialmente, é empregado em formulações farmacêuticas, cosméticos e alimentos como corante de origem natural. Contudo, o uso da bixina ainda é limitado pela sua baixa solubilidade em água. Foi observado que a bixina pode ser dispersa em água, por meio de técnica já patenteada pelo nosso grupo, sem uso de suportes e adjuvantes. O presente projeto teve por objetivo obter a bixina purificada de um extrato comercial de semente de urucum, preparar e caracterizar a dispersão de bixina em água e aplicá-la como um carreador de fármacos, utilizando daunorrubicina como modelo e que é utilizada no tratamento de tumores. Bixina foi obtida com 95% de pureza, a partir do extrato de semente de urucum e dispersões a partir deste composto foram preparadas em soluções aquosas e estabilizadas em cerca de duas horas. Foi determinado que a dispersão em água é constituída por partículas esféricas, com diâmetro médio variando de 20 a 150 nm e potencial Zeta de -24,7 mV. A dispersão manteve-se estável quando submetida a concentrações de NaCl de até 50 mmol/L e resistente em pH ácido. Porém, a partir de pH=10, ocorreu hidrólise do éster metílico da bixina, convertendo-a em norbixina. As partículas de bixina foram capazes de incorporar o fármaco daunorrubicina, em proporção molar máxima de bixina/daunorrubicina de 2:1. Nas concentrações testadas, a incorporação da daunorrubicina à dispersão de bixina causou aumento na atividade antiproliferativa, sendo até 60% mais ativa do que a daunorrubicina livre, na concentração de 1 µg/mL. A dispersão de bixina apresentou tolerância a variações em pH e concentração salina e capacidade de incorporar e aumentar a atividade do fármaco daunorrubicina. Sendo assim, constitui-se em um potencial sistema carreador de fármaco derivado de um produto natural. / Bixin is a carotenoid found on surface of Bixa orellana L. seeds, known as annatto. Annatto seeds extracts are popularly used as a condiment for foods and remedy for several diseases and symptoms. It is also applied in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and food industry as a natural colorant. Nevertheless, the use of bixin is still limited by its poor solubility in water. Our research group has developed and patented a technique to disperse bixin in water, with no use of stabilizers or scaffolds. In this project, we aimed to obtain purified bixin from commercial annatto seeds extracts, prepare and characterize a dispersion of bixin in water and to employ it as a drug delivery system. Daunorubicin was chosen as a drug model to be delivered by bixin dispersion. Bixin was isolated from extracts in 95% purity. Aqueous dispersions of bixin demonstrated to be stable two hours after preparation. Bixin formed spherical particles with mean diameter ranging from 20 to 150 nm and Zeta potential of -24,7 mV. The dispersion was stable in NaCl solution up to 50 mMol/L and resistant to acidic medium. However, above pH=10, hydrolysis of ester termination begins to occur, converting bixin into to norbixin and since norbixin is water-soluble, the particles dissolved in water. Bixin dispersion was able to incorporate daunorubicin, in a bixin:daunorubicin molar proportion of 2:1. In all tested concentrations, daunorubicin delivered by bixin showed higher antiproliferative activity compared to free drug, reaching 60% more acitivity at 1 µg/mL In conclusion, bixin dispersion showed good stability in large range of pH and salt concentrations, ability to incorporate daunorubicin and enhanced the antitumoral activity. Thus, it can be considered a potential drug delivery system derived from a natural product.

A bixina é o principal carotenoide encontrado na superfície externa das sementes de Bixa orellana L., conhecida popularmente como urucum. Os extratos das sementes são largamente utilizados, tradicionalmente como condimento e no preparo de \"remédios\" caseiros para diversos tipos de doenças e sintomas. Industrialmente, é empregado em formulações farmacêuticas, cosméticos e alimentos como corante de origem natural. Contudo, o uso da bixina ainda é limitado pela sua baixa solubilidade em água. Foi observado que a bixina pode ser dispersa em água, por meio de técnica já patenteada pelo nosso grupo, sem uso de suportes e adjuvantes. O presente projeto teve por objetivo obter a bixina purificada de um extrato comercial de semente de urucum, preparar e caracterizar a dispersão de bixina em água e aplicá-la como um carreador de fármacos, utilizando daunorrubicina como modelo e que é utilizada no tratamento de tumores. Bixina foi obtida com 95% de pureza, a partir do extrato de semente de urucum e dispersões a partir deste composto foram preparadas em soluções aquosas e estabilizadas em cerca de duas horas. Foi determinado que a dispersão em água é constituída por partículas esféricas, com diâmetro médio variando de 20 a 150 nm e potencial Zeta de -24,7 mV. A dispersão manteve-se estável quando submetida a concentrações de NaCl de até 50 mmol/L e resistente em pH ácido. Porém, a partir de pH=10, ocorreu hidrólise do éster metílico da bixina, convertendo-a em norbixina. As partículas de bixina foram capazes de incorporar o fármaco daunorrubicina, em proporção molar máxima de bixina/daunorrubicina de 2:1. Nas concentrações testadas, a incorporação da daunorrubicina à dispersão de bixina causou aumento na atividade antiproliferativa, sendo até 60% mais ativa do que a daunorrubicina livre, na concentração de 1 µg/mL. A dispersão de bixina apresentou tolerância a variações em pH e concentração salina e capacidade de incorporar e aumentar a atividade do fármaco daunorrubicina. Sendo assim, constitui-se em um potencial sistema carreador de fármaco derivado de um produto natural. / Bixin is a carotenoid found on surface of Bixa orellana L. seeds, known as annatto. Annatto seeds extracts are popularly used as a condiment for foods and remedy for several diseases and symptoms. It is also applied in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and food industry as a natural colorant. Nevertheless, the use of bixin is still limited by its poor solubility in water. Our research group has developed and patented a technique to disperse bixin in water, with no use of stabilizers or scaffolds. In this project, we aimed to obtain purified bixin from commercial annatto seeds extracts, prepare and characterize a dispersion of bixin in water and to employ it as a drug delivery system. Daunorubicin was chosen as a drug model to be delivered by bixin dispersion. Bixin was isolated from extracts in 95% purity. Aqueous dispersions of bixin demonstrated to be stable two hours after preparation. Bixin formed spherical particles with mean diameter ranging from 20 to 150 nm and Zeta potential of -24,7 mV. The dispersion was stable in NaCl solution up to 50 mMol/L and resistant to acidic medium. However, above pH=10, hydrolysis of ester termination begins to occur, converting bixin into to norbixin and since norbixin is water-soluble, the particles dissolved in water. Bixin dispersion was able to incorporate daunorubicin, in a bixin:daunorubicin molar proportion of 2:1. In all tested concentrations, daunorubicin delivered by bixin showed higher antiproliferative activity compared to free drug, reaching 60% more acitivity at 1 µg/mL In conclusion, bixin dispersion showed good stability in large range of pH and salt concentrations, ability to incorporate daunorubicin and enhanced the antitumoral activity. Thus, it can be considered a potential drug delivery system derived from a natural product.

In the recent years, development of various organic and inorganic nano-sized systems has gained great interests especially for cancer diagnosis and treatment and intense researches are carried out in this area. Regarding to the recent trends for drug delivery system design, the novel approaches for drug carriers are mainly based on development of smart and nano-size drug carriers which are targeted to cancer cells. Hence, for an effective tumor-targeted delivery device, besides its chemical structure further criteria such as detection of tumor site and sensitivity to the higher temperature and lower pH of the tumor compare to rest of the body gains importance. The aim of this study is to design and prepare polysebacic anhydride (PSA) based nanocapsules (NCs) loaded with Doxorubicin (DOX) which is an anti cancer drug. In order to obtain an intelligent delivery system, drug-loaded nanocapsules were coated with pH sensitive poly (L-histidine). PSA nano-carriers were firstly loaded with DOX and then in order to introduce pH sensitivity, they were coated with poly (L-histidine). PLH-coated NCs were modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prevent their macrophage uptake. Drug release profile from this system was examined in two different buffer solutions prepared as acidic (pH 4) and physiological (pH 7.4) media. The physical and chemical properties of the nano particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-VIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro studies of the prepared nanocapsules were performed on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by using WST Kit 8 cell viability test. In order to obtained results, pH sensitive nanocapsules with size 230 nm exhibited cellular uptake and promising intracellular release of drug.

Les systèmes à délivrance de médicaments sont des technologies conçues pour administrer des molécules actives de façon optimisée afin d’améliorer leurs effets thérapeutiques tout en minimisant les effets secondaires. En effet, ces systèmes permettent une libération au niveau d’une cible thérapeutique. Les particules de type «cage» ont récemment attiré une attention particulière en raison de leur capacité accrue à (co)incorporer et à protéger des molécules actives vis-à-vis de dégradations in vivo. Les cyclodextrines (CDs) sont des exemples type de molécules "cage", possédant une cavité hydrophobe et une surface extérieure hydrophile. Nous avons élaboré tout d’abord des assemblages supramoléculaires à base de CDs d'environ 100 nm par une méthode douce consistant à mélanger deux solutions aqueuses de polymères neutres : 1) polymère de β-CD et 2) dextrane greffé avec la benzophénone, molécule invitée formant des complexes d’inclusion avec les CDs. La procédure de préparation « verte» en une seule étape rend la formulation attractive, malgré sa relativement faible capacité d’encapsulation (5%pds). Afin d'améliorer cete charge, nous avons élaboré des particules hybrides organiques-inorganiques (MOFs) à base de CDs. Avantageusement, les CD-MOF comportent non seulement des cavités de CD, mais aussi de larges pores engendrés lors l’auto-assemblage de CDs. Le lansoprazole a été incorporé avec succès (23%pds) dans les CD-MOFs et nous avons montré que chaque CDs était capable d’accueillir une molécule de principe actif. Cependant, l’inconvénient majeur des CD-MOFs est leur faible stabilité en milieu aqueux, limitant leur domaine d’application. Une modification de surface est apparue donc nécessaire pour améliorer leur stabilité. Notre stratégie a été d’incorporer les CD-MOFs dans des matrices d'acide polyacrylique (PAA). Des microsphères composites d’environ 650 nm ont été élaborées avec succès et ont permis une bonne stabilité et une libération prolongée sur plus de 48 h. Avantageusement, ces particules composites n’étaient pas toxiques in vitro même à des concentrations élevées. Ainsi, nous nous sommes orientés vers l’étude comparative de MOFs plus stables dans l’eau, à base de trimesate de fer. Les MIL-100 (Fe) (Material of Institute Lavoisier) figurent parmi les premiers MOF étudiés en tant que nanomédicaments (nanoMOFs). Ces particules, parfaitement stables dans l'eau, se dégradent dans des milieux contenant des phosphates en perdant rapidement leur caractère cristallin et leurs ligands constitutifs. De façon étonnante, nous avons constaté que malgré leur dégradation, ces MOFs conservent leur taille intacte. Une analyse approfondie basée sur la microscopie de Raman a permis d’obtenir des informations pertinentes sur la morphologie et la composition chimique de particules individuelles. Ainsi, il a été montré qu’un front d'érosion délimitait nettement un cœur intact et une coquillé inorganique érodée. Cependant, ni l’encapsulation ni la modification de surface des MOFs n’altérait leur intégrité. Enfin, nous avons étudié la co-encapsulation de deux molécules actives utilisées en combinaison (amoxicilline et clavulanate de potassium) dans les nanoMOFs stables à base de MIL-100 (Fe). Les antibiotiques ont été incorporées par imprégnation et chaque molécule s’est localisée préférentiellement dans un compartiment (large ou petite cage) corroborant parfaitement les simulations par modélisation moléculaire. De plus, il a été découvert, de manière surprenante, qu’un grand nombre de nanoMOFs se localisait au voisinage des bactéries (S.aureus) dans des cellules infectées. En se dégradant dans ces cellules, les nanoMOFs contenant les antibiotiques ont réduit de manière importante la charge bactérienne intracellulaire. Ces études révèlent le potentiel des particules de type «cage» pour une incorporation efficace de molécules actives et leur libération contrôlée et ouvrent de nombreuses possibilités d’application. / Drug delivery systems are engineered technologies to administer pharmaceutical ingredients to improve their therapeutic effects, aiming at minimizing their side effects by means of targeted delivery and/or controlled release. “Cage” particles recently drew special attention since they could act as “drug containers” which potentially load large amount of drugs, improve their stability and offer the possibilities to co-encapsulate synergetic drugs. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are typical “cage” molecules with a hydrophobic cavity and a hydrophilic outer surface. Taking advantage of the host-guest interactions between β-CD and benzophenone (Bz), CD based nanoparticles (CD-NPs) were the first formulation investigated. CD-NPs of around 100 nm were instantaneously produced by mixing two aqueous solutions of neutral polymers: 1) poly-CD containing β-CDs, and 2) Bz grafted Dex (Dex-Bz). The “green” and facile preparation procedure makes it attractive formulation, whereas its limitation lies on the low drug payloads (~ 5 wt%). In order to improve the drug loading capacity of CDs, porous CD based metal organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) were synthesized, which contain not only CD cavities, but also large pores built up by CDs self-assembly. Lansoprazole (LPZ) was incorporated in CD-MOF microcrystals (~ 6 µm) reaching payloads as high as 23.2 ± 2.1% (wt). Remarkably, each CD cavity was able to host a drug molecule, offering new opportunities for the use of CD-MOFs for drug delivery purposes. However, these particles disassembled in aqueous media, which limits their application for oral and intravenous administration. Surface modification is therefore necessary to improve their stability in water. The drug loaded CD-MOF nanocrystals (~ 650 nm) were successfully embedded in polyacrylic acid (PAA) polymer matrices. The composite microspheres exhibited spherical shapes and sustained drug release over a prolonged period of time (over 48 h). Drug loaded MOF/PAA composite microspheres were not toxic in vitro (cell viability ~ 90%) even at very high concentrations up to 17.5 mg/mL. MOF/PAA composite microspheres constitute an efficient and pharmaceutically acceptable MOF-based carrier for sustained drug release. However, the process of surface modification was complicated and lead to larger particles and reduced drug payloads. Water-stable MOFs are a novel type of hybrid particles, showing a high potential as drug carriers. Iron trimesate MOFs, namely, MIL-100 (Fe) (MIL stands for Material of Institute Lavoisier) was among the first nano-scaled MOFs used for drug delivery. These particles were stable in water but degraded in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) losing their crystallinity and constitutive trimesate linkers. However, it was discovered that they kept their morphology intact. A thorough analysis based on Raman microscopy was carried on to gain insights on both the morphology and chemical composition of individual particles. It was evidenced the formation of a sharp erosion front during particle degradation. Noteworthy, the MOFs did not degrade during drug loading nor surface modification. Co-encapsulation of two synergic antibiotics (amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate) in MIL-100 (Fe) nanoMOFs was achieved following a “green” procedure by soaking nanoMOFs in aqueous solutions of both drugs. Molecular modelling showed that each drug preferentially located in a separate nanoMOF compartment. Surprisingly, nanoMOFs were prone to co-localize with bacteria once internalized in infected macrophages. NanoMOFs acted synergistically with the entrapped drugs to kill intracellular S. aureus, in vitro. These results pave the way towards the design of engineered nanocarriers in which each component synergistically plays a role in fighting the disease. These studies unravel the potential of “cage” particles for efficient drug entrapment and controlled release and open numerous possibilities for applications.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. For women in the U.S. and the European countries, breast cancer is the most common type and it continuously threatens the lives of the patients and causes huge economic losses. Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are the common treatments for recurrence prevention and metastatic cancer symptom palliation. However, the uses of these therapies are meanwhile largely limited because their toxic side effects and non-specificity usually lead to low quality lives of the patients. Low aqueous solubility, multi-drug resistance, degradation of drug, limited intra-tumor diffusion and etc. are other limitations of conventional chemotherapies and endocrine therapies. Nanoparticle based drug carriers were extensively studied for therapeutic drug delivery. Many carriers could be loaded with high dose of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, protect the drug from the surrounding in vivo environment during the transportation, specifically target and enter the tumor cells and slowly release the drug thereafter. Advanced nanoparticle drug carriers are studied driven by the need of a more efficient drug delivery. The 3rd generation of nanoparticle based drug carriers are recently developed. They usually consist of more than one type of nanoparticles. Different part of the particle has more specialized functions. Therefore, by carefully selecting from the conventional nanoparticle carriers, a 3rd generation particle could have the properties such as high loading capacity of multiple drugs, prolonged half-life in circulation, higher tendency of accumulating at the tumor site, improved specificity to the tumor cells, higher cell uptake rate and accurately triggered controlled release, and combination of the above-mentioned properties. In our study, a paclitaxel loaded nanoparticle supported immunoliposome was assembled for metastatic breast cancer drug delivery. Functionalized single walled carbon nanohorn or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) was encapsulated in the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated liposome for high drug loading and controlled release. Anti-Her2 antibody or Herceptin® was grafted onto the surface of the liposome for a higher affinity to the Her2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Firstly, the conjugation of protein to the surface of liposome and PEGylated liposomes were investigated. Proteins with or without membrane binding domain were conjugated to liposome and PEGylated liposomes through covalent and non-covalent binding for comparison. A modified enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay was developed for surface grafted protein quantification. Secondly, the encapsulation of solid nanoparticle into PEGylated immunoliposome was investigated. Results showed a new structure of solid nanoparticle in PEGylated immunoliposome at a 1:1 ratio was formed during the repeated freeze-thawing process. Supported immunoliposomes with high homogeneity in size and structure were purified by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Thirdly, the drug loading, triggered release, cell binding, cell uptake and cell toxicities of the supported immunoliposome were studied. Release results showed a minimum drug leakage in serum at body temperature from the particle. The release was initiated with a minor burst trigged by low pH inside the tumor cell and followed with a long term linear pattern. Cell assay results showed the highest binding affinity of the antibody or Herceptin® grafted nanoparticles to Her2 overexpressing cell lines and a lysosomal intracellular distribution of the endocytosised particles. In the final study, a fabrication process for polymeric material nanoparticles was established. The process was capable of providing accurate control of the particle size with significant high output rates, thus largely extends the scope of materials for supporting the immunoliposome. / Ph. D.

Multi-sensitive microgel particles are covalently crosslinked polymeric chains with a colloidal dimension that can rapidly change their volume through various external stimuli such as pH, ionic strength, temperature, and magnetic and electric field. Due to these characteristics, increasing attention has been focus on the development of multi-sensitive microgels, mainly for application as drug delivery carriers. This study aimed to synthesise pH- and temperature-sensitive microgel particles, based on precipitation polymerisation of N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid, with a defined size, narrow size distribution, spherical morphology and colloidal stability to be used as an oral drug carrier. In order to provide better biocompatibility and biodegradability in the synthesised material, some assays were performed, adding the chitosan biopolymer during the polymerisation of the monomers previously mentioned. This thesis also intended to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the microgel synthesis and their properties using spectroscopic techniques to monitor the microgel formation. A new approach was proposed to monitoring the process variables, monomer conversion and average particle size of the microgel particles, during precipitation polymerisation using NIR and UV-VIS-NIR high-resolution spectrophotometers coupled with a probe. Besides, the influence of reaction conditions in the physicochemical characteristics of microgel particles was extensively investigated as well as their potential as an oral drug carrier for insulin. The monitoring results pointed out the enormous potential of these spectroscopy techniques to monitor the precipitation polymerisation process, allowing control over the polymerisation reaction with quickly and directly acquisition of data in real-time. In general, pH- and temperature-sensitive microgels were successfully synthesised, and many formulations showed to be suitable for application as oral drug carriers. However, the preliminary in vitro release results were not satisfactory, and a more in-depth study between the interaction of the drug with the particles as well as the method of release is recommended. In conclusion, with a proper understanding of the influence of the process conditions (e.g., reagent concentrations) on the physicochemical properties of the microgels, it is possible to tailor the multi-sensitive microgels for the desired application. / Microgéis multisensíveis são partículas poliméricas covalentemente reticuladas, com uma dimensão coloidal, e com capacidade para mudar o seu volume através de vários estímulos externos, como por exemplo, pH, força iônica, temperatura e campos magnéticos ou elétricos. Devido a essas características, estas partículas têm recebido grande atenção, principalmente na aplicação como carreadores de fármacos. O objetivo deste estudo foi sintetizar partículas de microgéis sensíveis ao pH e à temperatura através da polimerização por precipitação dos monômeros N-isoproprilacrilamida e ácido acrílico, que tivessem tamanho definido, distribuição de tamanho estreita, morfologia esférica e estabilidade coloidal, para serem utilizadas como carreadores oral de fármacos. Com o intuito de proporcionar melhor biocompatibilidade e biodegradabilidade no material sintetizado, foram realizados alguns ensaios acrescentando o biopolímero quitosana durante a polimerização dos monômeros citados anteriormente. O presente trabalho também teve como objetivo contribuir para uma melhor compreensão da relação entre a síntese de microgéis e suas propriedades utilizando técnicas espectroscópicas para monitorar a formação dos microgéis. Uma nova abordagem foi proposta para monitorar as variáveis de processo, conversão de monômero e tamanho médio das partículas de microgel, durante a polimerização por precipitação através de espectrofotômetros NIR e UV-VIS-NIR acoplados a uma sonda. Além disso, a influência das condições da reação nas características físico-químicas das partículas de microgel foi extensivamente investigada, bem como o seu potencial como carreador oral de insulina. Os resultados do monitoramento indicaram o enorme potencial das técnicas espectroscópicas utilizadas, permitindo o controle da polimerização com aquisição rápida e direta dos dados em tempo real. Em geral, os microgéis sensíveis ao pH e à temperatura foram sintetizados com sucesso, e algumas formulações mostraram-se adequadas para aplicação como veículos de fármaco através da via oral. No entanto, os resultados preliminares da liberação in vitro não foram satisfatórios, e um estudo mais aprofundado entre a interação do fármaco com as partículas e o método de liberação é recomendado. Em conclusão, com uma compreensão adequada da influência das condições do processo (nesse caso, da concentração dos reagentes) nas propriedades físico-químicas dos microgéis, é possível ajustá-las para obtenção de microgéis multissensíveis com características adequadas para a aplicação desejada.