Pharmaceutical Science, Biomaterials, Polymers and Plastics, Drug Discovery
48
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based on Melaleuca Alternifolia and Bacuri Butter Associated with the Subdose of Amphotericin B: Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity Diego Cipriano Chagas, Matheus Oliveira do Nascimento, Marjorie Pereira Gualter, João Pedro Alves Damaceno do Lago, Irisvaldo Lima Guedes, Idglan Sá de Lima, Francisco Mayron de Sousa eSilva, Leandro Josuel da Costa Santos, Antônio Jalson Cardoso Magalhães, Amanda Cristine Ferreira dosde SantosCarvalho, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, André Luís Menezes Carvalho, João Marcelo de Castro eSousa Bionanoscience, 2026 Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) based on Melaleuca alternifolia and bacuri vegetable butter associated with a subdose of amphotericin B (AmB) and to investigate its physicochemical characteristics, stability, antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity, with a view to patenting and transition to clinical trials. After obtaining the NLC, the particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), dosage, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), pH, spread ability, texture, stability, antimicrobial activity and cell viability were analyzed using the MTT method. NLC showed a TP of 177.5 nm, PDI of 0.176 and PZ of -29.3 mV. The encapsulation efficiency was ~ 99.9%, with a pH of 5.83 and pre- and post-freeze–thaw spread ability indices of 0.49 and 0.37, respectively. The formulation showed a firmness of 966.5, consistency of 1698.1, cohesiveness of 594.4 and viscosity index of 3039.9. The NLC containing AmB exhibited an inhibitory effect against S. aureus and E. coli, as well as an inhibitory and dispersing effect against C. albicans. It also showed no cytotoxicity in mouse fibroblast cell lines. In summary, it can be concluded that NLC shows physical and chemical stability, antibacterial inhibitory potential and antifungal dispersion activity. In addition, the subdose of AmB proved to be safe in terms of cytotoxicity.
Zein nanoparticles with bioadhesive potential for oral administration of propranolol: in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo investigations Thaís Cruz Ramalho, Igor Frederico da Silveira Ramos, Talissa Brenda de Castro Lopes, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Hercília Maria Lins Rolim Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 2026 Oral administration is a common route for medications but faces challenges such as pH variations and enzymatic activity in the gastrointestinal tract. Zein nanoparticles, a biocompatible plant-based protein, emerge as a promising solution to overcome these barriers and enhance the bioavailability of drugs such as propranolol, a beta-blocker with low solubility and bioavailability. This study evaluated the safety of zein nanoparticles for the oral delivery of propranolol through hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and ecotoxicity tests, as well as their mucoadhesive efficacy in porcine small intestine. The hemocompatibility test showed that both propranolol-loaded nanoparticles (NZ-PROP) and drug-free nanoparticles (NZ-EMP) did not cause damage to red blood cells, with results comparable to the negative control (0.9% saline). In cytotoxicity assays using the Caco-2 cell line (human colorectal epithelial adenocarcinoma), both the nanoparticles and free propranolol demonstrated 100% cell viability across all tested concentrations (15.625 to 250 μg·mL -1 ). In ecotoxicity tests using Artemia salina , free propranolol caused 100% mortality of nauplii at concentrations of 62.5, 250, and 500 μg·mL -1 , whereas the nanoparticles showed viability at all tested concentrations,indicating reduced toxicity. The mucoadhesive strength of the nanoparticles in porcine small intestine was higher than that of free propranolol, with a maximum detachment force of 0.2585 ± 0.05 N·cm -2 and an adhesion work of 0.0381 ± 0.002 mN×m, supporting prolonged drug release. These findings suggest that zein nanoparticles are safe and effective for the oral delivery of drugs with low permeability.
Effect of vaccination in Brazil against COVID-19 and its behavior against variants of concern and their sublineages Paulo Monteiro Araujo, Susan Catherine Lima Lemos, Maria Eduarda de Carvalho Barbosa, Igor Frederico da Silveira Ramos, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Marcia dos Santos Rizzo Ciencia E Saude Coletiva, 2026 This study aims to evaluate the effect of vaccination in Brazil against COVID-19 by studying correlations. An ecological study was carried out that looked at the number of cases, stratifying them by the variants of concern (VOC) of SARS-CoV-2 and its sublineages, deaths, vaccination coverage and stringency index, evaluating the relationship of these variables using Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient (τ). It was possible to observe a strong correlation between the increase in vaccination coverage, total vaccinations (τ = -0.702, p < 0.001, 95%CI [-0.723; -0.679]) and immunized individuals (τ = -0.717, p < 0.001, 95%CI [-0.737; -0.695]), and the reduction in new deaths. There is also a relationship with the decrease in new cases, although considerably weaker. When stratifying by VOC, what stands out is what was observed in omicron and its sublineages, whose vaccination proved incapable of containing, suggesting that the negative correlation (τ = -0.199, p < 0.001, 95%CI [-0.249; -0.141]) between the number of estimated cases and the stringency index may be part of the explanation. The COVID-19 pandemic has required a cohesive, global effort to deal with it, and the effect of vaccination on reducing new cases and deaths for the Brazilian population is undeniable; however, it is important to combine these measures with other preventive actions.
Characterization of the Interaction of a Novel Anticancer Molecule with PMMA, PCL, and PLGA Polymers via Computational Chemistry Edwar D. Montenegro, Jamylle M. Nunes, Igor F. S. Ramos, Renata G. Almeida, Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior, Márcia S. Rizzo, Edson C. da Silva-Filho, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Heurison S. Silva, Marcília P. Costa Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2025 The development of anticancer drugs is costly and time intensive. Computational approaches optimize the process by studying molecules such as naphthoquinones. This research explores the quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSPR) and molecular interactions among 2,2-dimethyl-3-((3-nitrophenyl)amino)-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione (QPhNO2), a Nor-β-Lapachone derivative with anticancer properties, and the following polymers for nanoencapsulation: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). Spartan 14 optimized the compounds using density functional theory (DFT), while ArgusLab performed docking, and Discovery Studio analyzed post-docking results. Simulations indicated that polymers with larger energy gaps are more stable and less prone to deformation than QPhNO2, facilitating interaction with polymer chains. The binding energies for PMMA/QPhNO2, PCL/QPhNO2, and PLGA/QPhNO2 interactions were −4.607, −4.437, and −1.814 kcal/mol, respectively. Docking analysis revealed non-bonded interactions between polymers and QPhNO2. These findings highlight the role of computational methods in nanoencapsulation and molecular characterization, guiding the development of future analogs and combinations.
Biopolymer from Annona muricata Residues as a Potential Sustainable Raw Material for Industrial Applications Igor F. S. Ramos, Samuel C. Dias, Talissa B. C. Lopes, Francisco T. dos S. Silva Júnior, Ricardo de Araújo, Stanley J. C. Gutierrez, Claudia Pessoa, Josy A. Osajima, Marcia S. Rizzo, Edson C. Silva-Filho, Manuela Amorim, Óscar Ramos, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Marcilia P. Costa Polysaccharides, 2024 Annona muricata is a fruit species belonging to the Annonaceae family, which is native to the warmer tropical areas of North and South America. A large amount of discarded residue from A. muricata is of interest for obtaining new industrial inputs. To propose the applications of the biopolymer from A. muricata residues (Biop_AmRs), this study aimed to characterize this input chemically and functionally, as well as to evaluate its potential for hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity activity in vitro. Biop_AmRs is an anionic heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, mannose, uronic acid, and proteins. This biopolymer exhibited a semicrystalline structure and good thermal stability. Biop_AmRs exhibited excellent water holding capacity, emulsifying properties, and mucoadhesiviness and demonstrated hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility on the L929 cell line. These results indicate possible applications for this biopolymer as a potential environmentally friendly raw material in the food, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and cosmetic industries.
Naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles Bioactive from β-Lapachone: Fluorescent Probes and Cytotoxic Agents to Cancer Cells Victória Laysna dos Anjos Santos, Arlan de Assis Gonsalves, Délis Galvão Guimarães, Sidney Silva Simplicio, Helinando Pequeno de Oliveira, Lara Polyana Silva Ramos, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Fátima de Cássia Evangelista de Oliveira, Claudia Pessoa, Cleônia Roberta Melo Araújo Molecules, 2023 Theranostics combines therapeutic and imaging diagnostic techniques that are extremely dependent on the action of imaging agent, transporter of therapeutic molecules, and specific target ligand, in which fluorescent probes can act as diagnostic agents. In particular, naphthoimidazoles are potential bioactive heterocycle compounds to be used in several biomedical applications. With this aim, a group of seven naphth[1,2-d]imidazole compounds were synthesized from β-lapachone. Their optical properties and their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and their compounds were evaluated and confirmed promising values for molar absorptivity coefficients (on the order of 103 to 104), intense fluorescence emissions in the blue region, and large Stokes shifts (20–103 nm). Furthermore, the probes were also selective for analyzed cancer cells (leukemic cells (HL-60). The naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles showed IC50 between 8.71 and 29.92 μM against HL-60 cells. For HCT-116 cells, values for IC50 between 21.12 and 62.11 μM were observed. The selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells and the fluorescence of the synthesized naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles are promising responses that make possible the application of these components in antitumor theranostic systems.
Synthetic hydrazones: In silico studies and in vitro evaluation of the antileishmania potential Valéria Carlos de Sousa, Rita de Cássia Viana Carvalho, Karla Germana dos Reis Barcelar, Danielly Silva de Melo, Jamylle Melo Nunes, Paulo Sérgio de Araújo Sousa, Jefferson Almeida Rocha, Cristiane Costa Lima, Arlan de Assis Gonsalves, Cleônia Roberta Melo Araújo, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Klinger Antônio da Franca Rodrigues, Michel Muálem de Moraes Alves, Fernando Aécio de Amorim Carvalho Toxicology in Vitro, 2023
The Role of Microorganisms in the Use of Food-Waste Monalisa de Alencar Lucena, Igor Frederico S. Ramos, Valesca Lima Fernandes, Allana Costa Araújo Souza, Márcia dos Santos Rizzo, Alessandra Braga Ribeiro, Marcília Pinheiro da Costal Bioprospection of Co Products and Agro Industrial Wastes A Sustainable Biotechnological Approach, 2023 The growth in food production to meet the high population demands has led to a growing increase in food waste production. In recent years, efforts have been made to optimize food processing and agricultural waste management system, focusing on the bioconversion of these inputs into high-value products. In this context, bacteria and fungi have played an important role in obtaining new derivatives from food inputs. Microorganisms have been widely employed in industry to produce various products from renewable resources. Due to the success of bioprocesses and bioproducts, in recent years, there has been a growing interest from the industry in using the resources of microbial biotechnology. Among the various microbial biochemical processes, the importance of fermentation, electro-fermentation, anaerobic digestion and commercial products obtained from the biological conversion of food residues, such as enzymes, vitamins, and bioplastics, among others are highlighted. This chapter aims to present the advantages of using different microbial processes in the use of food, the diversity of bioproducts generated, and the importance of investments in this area for the development of biotechnological industries and the preservation of the environment.
Biopolymer from Water Kefir as a Potential Clean-Label Ingredient for Health Applications: Evaluation of New Properties Monalisa de Alencar Lucena, Igor Frederico da Silveira Ramos, Maurycyo Silva Geronço, Ricardo de Araújo, Francisco Lopes da Silva Filho, Luís Manuel Lopes Rodrigues da Silva, Rayran Walter Ramos de Sousa, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira, Josy Anteveli Osajima, Edson Cavalcanti Silva-Filho, Márcia dos Santos Rizzo, Alessandra Braga Ribeiro, Marcilia Pinheiro da Costa Molecules, 2022
Biopolymeric Materials Used as Nonviral Vectors: A Review Jailson de Araújo Santos, Daniel Barbosa Liarte, Alessandra Braga Ribeiro, Marcia dos Santos Rizzo, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Josy A. Osajima, Edson C. Silva-Filho Polysaccharides, 2021
Synthesis and antileishmanial activity of naphthoquinone-based hybrids Cleônia Roberta Melo Araújo, Délis Galvão Guimarães, Sidney Silva Simplício, Valéria Carlos de Sousa, Klinger Antonio Da Franca Rodrigues, Fernando Aércio A. Carvalho, Sabrina M. P. Carneiro, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Arlan De A. Gonsalves Revista Colombiana De Ciencias Quimico Farmaceuticas Colombia, 2021
Cellular and biochemical antileukemic mechanisms of the meroterpenoid Oncocalyxone A Aline Borba Sbardelotto, Francisco Washington Araújo Barros-Nepomuceno, Bruno Marques Soares, Bruno Coêlho Cavalcanti, Rayran Walter Ramos de Sousa, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Otília Deusdênia Loiola Pessoa, Cláudia Pessoa, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A Current Issues, 2021
Naphthoquinone-based hydrazone hybrids: Synthesis and potent activity against cancer cell lines Délis Galváo Guimaráes, Arlan de Assis Gonsalves, Larissa Araújo Rolim, Edigênia Cavalcante Araújo, Victória Laysna dos Anjos Santos, Maria Francilene Souza Silva, Fátima de Cássia Evangelista de Oliveira, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Claudia Pessoa, Marília Oliveira Fonseca Goulart, Thaissa Lucio Silva, Danyelle Cândido Santos, Cleônia Roberta Melo Araújo Medicinal Chemistry, 2021
Toxicological, chemopreventive, and cytotoxic potentialities of rare vegetal species and supporting findings for the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) Jurandy do Nascimento Silva, Nayana Bruna Nery Monção, Ruth Raquel Soares de Farias, Antonia Maria das Graças Lopes Citó, Mariana Helena Chaves, Mônica Regina Silva de Araújo, Daisy Jereissati Barbosa Lima, Claudia Pessoa, Alessandro de Lima, Edigênia Cavalcante da Cruz Araújo, Gardenia Carmen Gadelha Militão, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Raffaele Capasso, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part A Current Issues, 2020
Are salty liquid food flavorings in vitro antitumor substances? FRANCISCO R.S. CARVALHO, ANTONIO G. MOURA, GARDENIA F. RODRIGUES, NARCIA M.F. NUNES, DAISY J.B. LIMA, CLAUDIA PESSOA, MARCILIA P. COSTA, PAULO M.P. FERREIRA, ANA PAULA PERON Anais Da Academia Brasileira De Ciencias, 2016
Phytochemical study on antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of specimens of leonotis nepetifolia L. R. (Br) Ana P. Oliveira, Amanda L. Guimarães, Alessandra G. M. Pacheco, Camila S. Araújo, Raimundo G. Oliveira Júnior, Érica M. Lavor, Mariana G. Silva, Edigênia C. C. Araújo, Rosemairy L. Mendes, Larissa A. Rolim, Marcília P. Costa, Henrique C. L. Farias, Cláudia do Ó Pessoa, Norberto P. Lopes, Lucas M. M. Marques, Jackson R. G. S. Almeida Quimica Nova, 2016
Improvement of in vivo anticancer and antiangiogenic potential of thalidomide derivatives Patrícia Marçal da Costa, Marcilia Pinheiro da Costa, Adriana Andrade Carvalho, Suellen Melo Tibúrcio Cavalcanti, Marcos Veríssimo de Oliveira Cardoso, Gevânio Bezerra de Oliveira Filho, Daniel de Araújo Viana, Francisco Vagnaldo Fechine-Jamacaru, Ana Cristina Lima Leite, Manoel Odorico de Moraes, Claudia Pessoa, Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira Chemico Biological Interactions, 2015
C. pseudotuberculosis Phop confers virulence and may be targeted by natural compounds Sandeep Tiwari, Marcília Pinheiro da Costa, Sintia Almeida, Syed Shah Hassan, Syed Babar Jamal, Alberto Oliveira, Edson Luiz Folador, Flavia Rocha, Vinícius Augusto Carvalho de Abreu, Fernanda Dorella, Rafael Hirata, Diana Magalhaes de Oliveira, Maria Fátima da Silva Teixeira, Artur Silva, Debmalya Barh, Vasco Azevedo Integrative Biology, 2014
Evidence for reductive genome evolution and lateral acquisition of virulence functions in two corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis strains Jerônimo C. Ruiz, Vívian D'Afonseca, Artur Silva, Amjad Ali, Anne C. Pinto, Anderson R. Santos, Aryanne A. M. C. Rocha, Débora O. Lopes, Fernanda A. Dorella, Luis G. C. Pacheco, Marcília P. Costa, Meritxell Z. Turk, Núbia Seyffert, Pablo M. R. O. Moraes, Siomar C. Soares, Sintia S. Almeida, Thiago L. P. Castro, Vinicius A. C. Abreu, Eva Trost, Jan Baumbach, Andreas Tauch, Maria Paula C. Schneider, John McCulloch, Louise T. Cerdeira, Rommel T. J. Ramos, Adhemar Zerlotini, Anderson Dominitini, Daniela M. Resende, Elisângela M. Coser, Luciana M. Oliveira, André L. Pedrosa, Carlos U. Vieira, Cláudia T. Guimarães, Daniela C. Bartholomeu, Diana M. Oliveira, Fabrício R. Santos, Élida Mara Rabelo, Francisco P. Lobo, Glória R. Franco, Ana Flávia Costa, Ieso M. Castro, Sílvia Regina Costa Dias, Jesus A. Ferro, José Miguel Ortega, Luciano V. Paiva, Luiz R. Goulart, Juliana Franco Almeida, Maria Inês T. Ferro, Newton P. Carneiro, Paula R. K. Falcão, Priscila Grynberg, Santuza M. R. Teixeira, Sérgio Brommonschenkel, Sérgio C. Oliveira, Roberto Meyer, Robert J. Moore, Anderson Miyoshi, Guilherme C. Oliveira, Vasco Azevedo Plos One, 2011
Intraflagellar transport complex in Leishmania spp. in silico genome-wide screening and annotation of gene function Genetics and Molecular Research, 2007
