Adjunct Professor at the University of Pernambuco - Ouricuri Campus, and Permanent Young Professor of the Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS/FCM/ICB). Researcher at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of the Keizo Asami Institute of the Federal University of Pernambuco (iLIKA/UFPE). Member of the Brazilian Society of Microbiology. He is the leader of the Research Group in Nanobiotechnology and Therapeutic Innovations (NanoBiT), and second leader of the research group Clinical Microbiology and New Therapeutic Approaches (MicroNAT) coordinated by Prof. Dr. Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti. Postdoctoral researcher in Applied Biology to Health (PPGBAS-UFPE), PhD in Biological Sciences (PPGCB-UFPE), Master's in Applied Biology to Health (PPGBAS-UFPE), specialist in Morphological Sciences with emphasis on Oncology (INESP), and graduated in Biological Sciences/Licentiate from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) - Academic Center of Vitória de Santo Antão (CAV).
Repositioning of Fluoroquinolones: A New Approach in Antitumor Therapy Jeferson Ricardo da Silva, Jaqueline Barbosa de Souza, Lara Limeira de Oliveira, Luís André de Almeida Campos, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Biology, 2026 Fluoroquinolones are known for their antibacterial properties, but recent research has revealed their potential to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Thus, this study aimed to emphasize the repositioning and potential of fluoroquinolones as possible therapeutic tools in the fight against cancer, opening up new perspectives for the field of oncology. Thus, this paper consists of a descriptive literature review of recent studies published between 2013 and 2023 on the use of fluoroquinolones in anticancer therapy. The results indicate that fluoroquinolones can interfere with the cell cycle, induce apoptosis and oxidative stress, and impact factors associated with tumorigenesis, such as the transcription of ectopic expression of SNAI1 for epithelial–mesenchymal transition. In addition, studies show that combining fluoroquinolones with other antineoplastic agents can increase their efficacy, and the possibility of encapsulating these drugs in controlled-release systems is also emerging as a promising antitumor strategy. In conclusion, repositioning fluoroquinolones in antitumor therapy presents an expanding field of research, offering new perspectives for cancer treatment. However, more studies are needed to fully elucidate their potential and establish effective clinical use protocols.
Usnic acid chitosan-coated liposomes synergistic activity with polymyxin B against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii clinical in vitro Davi de Lacerda Coriolano, Jaqueline Barbosa de Souza, Maria Amelia Vieira Maciel, Karitas Farias Alves Lima, Luís André de Almeida Campos, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Future Microbiology, 2026 Background The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, necessitates innovative treatment strategies. Usnic acid (UA), a natural compound with antimicrobial properties, has limited clinical use due to poor solubility and toxicity. This study evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and hemocompatibility profiles of UA encapsulated in chitosan-coated liposomes (Lipo-UA-Chi), alone and in combination with polymyxin B (PMB).Methods UA, PMB, Lipo-UA-Chi, and their combinations were tested in vitro against MDR clinical strains of P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Antibacterial activity was assessed via broth microdilution and checkerboard assays. Antibiofilm inhibition and eradication were evaluated using the crystal violet method. Hemolytic activity was measured to assess cytotoxicity.Results The Lipo-UA-Chi + PMB combination demonstrated additive or synergistic interactions in all tested strains, with MIC reductions of up to 128-fold for PMB and 4-fold for Lipo-UA-Chi. This combination also achieved superior biofilm inhibition, reaching up to 100% in specific P. aeruginosa strains, and eradication of up to 81.3%.Conclusion These findings highlight Lipo-UA-Chi combined with PMB as a promising and biocompatible strategy to improve antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm control in MDR infections. Although limited to in vitro evaluation, these findings support the potential of this formulation as a promising alternative to current polymyxin-based regimens.
Candidiasis: Therapeutic Approaches Based on Nanotechnology Luís André de Almeida Campos, Gabriel de Albuquerque Moura, Hanne Lazla Rafael de Queiroz Macêdo, Azael Francisco Silva Neto, Alessandra Silva Araújo, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Journal of Cluster Science, 2025
Resistance in gram-negative bacilli: the emergence of RND efflux pumps Maria Anndressa Alves Agreles, Ana Larissa Pereira de Moura, Karitas Farias Alves Lima, Caio Augusto Martins Aires, Luís André de Almeida Campos, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Future Microbiology, 2025 The rise of antimicrobial resistance has been a significant problem in recent decades, decreasing the effectiveness of antibiotics and making the treatment of infections increasingly difficult. This phenomenon can be acquired through various mechanisms, with antibiotic efflux mediated by proteins known as efflux pumps being one of the most important. Currently, these protein systems are classified into six major families. The resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) superfamily significantly contributes to multidrug resistance, particularly against tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, β-lactams, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. This is largely due to its broad substrate specificity and widespread distribution among Gram-negative bacteria, including members of the Enterobacterales order and non-fermenting bacilli, with pumps connecting the inner and outer membranes throughout the periplasm and forming complexes that efficiently expel antibiotics from the cell. Given the importance of these efflux proteins in bacterial resistance and physiology, several authors have sought to characterize and report new isolates and emerging pumps worldwide, as awareness of low antimicrobial susceptibility and its contributors can aid decision-making for infection control. Therefore, this study aimed to gather and analyze available data in the literature regarding the functioning and emergence of efflux pumps belonging to the RND family and highlight those with greater clinical importance, along with previously identified inhibitors to combat this resistance mechanism.
Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles by double emulsion and pH-driven: encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products for combating Escherichia coli infections Luís André de Almeida Campos, Jaqueline Barbosa de Souza, Hanne Lazla Rafael de Queiroz Macêdo, Joyce Cordeiro Borges, David Nattan de Oliveira, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2024 The design, development, and obtaining of nanostructured materials, such as polymeric nanoparticles, have garnered interest due to loading therapeutic agents and its broad applicability. Polymeric nanoparticle synthesis employs advanced techniques such as the double emulsion approach and the pH-driven method, allowing the efficient incorporation of active compounds into these matrices. These loading methods ensure compound stability within the polymeric structure and enable control of the release of therapeutic agents. The ability of loaded polymeric nanoparticles to transport and release therapeutic agents on target manner represents a significant advancement in the quest for effective therapeutic solutions. Amid escalating concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, interventions using polymeric nanostructures stand out for the possibility of carrying antimicrobial agents and enhancing antibacterial action against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making a new therapeutic approach or complement to conventional treatments. In this sense, the capability of these polymeric nanoparticles to act against Escherichia coli underscores their relevance in controlling bacterial infections. This mini-review provides a comprehensive synthesis of promising techniques for loading therapeutic agents into polymeric nanoparticles highlighting methodologies and their implications, addressing prospects of combating bacterial infections caused by E. coli. Key points • The double emulsion method provides control over size and release of bioactives. • The pH-driven method improves the solubility, stability, and release of active. • The methods increase the antibacterial action of those encapsulated in PNPs. Graphical abstract
Olive oil nanoemulsion containing curcumin: antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria Maine Virgínia Alves Confessor, Maria Anndressa Alves Agreles, Luís André de Almeida Campos, Azael Francisco Silva Neto, Joyce Cordeiro Borges, Rodrigo Molina Martins, Alexsandra Maria Lima Scavuzzi, Ana Catarina Souza Lopes, Elisangela Afonso de Moura Kretzschmar, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2024 The present work aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of two nanoemulsions (NEs) containing 500 µg/mL of curcumin from Curcuma longa (CUR). These NEs, produced with heating, contain olive oil (5%) and the surfactants tween 80 (5%) and span 80 (2.5%), water q.s. 100 mL, and were stable for 120 days. NE-2-CUR presented Ø of 165.40 ± 2.56 nm, PDI of 0.254, ζ of − 33.20 ± 1.35 mV, pH of 6.49, and Entrapment Drug Efficiency (EE) of 99%. The NE-4-CUR showed a Ø of 105.70 ± 4.13 nm, PDI of 0.459, ζ of − 32.10 ± 1.45 mV, pH of 6.40 and EE of 99.29%. Structural characterization was performed using DRX and FTIR, thermal characterization using DSC and TG, and morphological characterization using SEM, suggesting that there is no significant change in the CUR present in the NEs and that they remain stable. The MIC was performed by the broth microdilution method for nine gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates resistant to antibiotics and biofilm and efflux pump producers. The NEs mostly showed a bacteriostatic profile. The MIC varied between 125 and 250 µg/mL. The most sensitive bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, for which NE-2-CUR showed a MIC of 125 µg/mL. The NEs and ceftazidime (CAZ) interaction was also evaluated against the K. pneumoniae resistant clinical isolates using the Checkerboard method. NE-2-CUR and NE-4-CUR showed a synergistic or additive profile; there was a reduction in CAZ MICs between 256 times (K26-A2) and 2 times (K29-A2). Furthermore, the NEs inhibited these isolates biofilms formation. The NEs showed a MBIC ranging from 15.625 to 250 µg/mL. Thus, the NEs showed physicochemical characteristics suitable for future clinical trials, enhancing the CAZ antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, thus becoming a promising strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae. Key points • The NEs showed physicochemical characteristics suitable for future clinical trials. • The NEs showed a synergistic/additive profile, when associated with ceftazidime. • The NEs inhibited biofilm formation of clinical isolates.
Natural products and combination therapy as strategies against bacterial biofilm Luís André de Almeida Campos, João Victor de Oliveira Santos, Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti, Azael Francisco Silva Neto, Mariane Cajubá de Britto Lira Nogueira, Nereide Stela Santos-Magalhães, Isabella Macário Ferro Cavalcanti Studies in Natural Products Chemistry, 2023
Vancomycin encapsulated in nanocarriers as therapy for infections caused by antibioticresistant gram-positive bacteria Advances in Health and Disease, 2021
Repositioning of Fluoroquinolones: A New Approach in Antitumor Therapy JR da Silva, JB de Souza, LL de Oliveira, LA de Almeida Campos, ... Biology 15 (9), 717 , 2026 2026
Mobil Composition of Matter (MCM) as a vehicle for delivery of antimicrobial agents: new perspectives for treatment of bacterial and fungal infectious diseases WWM França, LA de Almeida Campos, ACS Mendonça, SA Júnior, ... Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 108378 , 2026 2026
Usnic acid chitosan-coated liposomes synergistic activity with polymyxin B against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii clinical in vitro D de Lacerda Coriolano, J Barbosa de Souza, MA Vieira Maciel, ... Future Microbiology 21 (4), 381-389 , 2026 2026
Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogel Incorporating Silver Nanoparticles: A Nanobiotechnological Approach for Skin Infections Caused by MRSA and MRSE DN Oliveira, LL Oliveira, HLRQ Macedo, YPM Ruiz, A Galembeck, ... Pharmaceuticals 19 (3), 409 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Enhancing coconut-based beverages with symbiotic microcapsules: Evaluation of physical-chemical traits and probiotic stability during gatrointestinal digestion AS Araújo, IMF Cavalcanti, LA de Almeida Campos, FRA de Souza, ... Food Chemistry, 147359 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Nanotechnology approach to combat cancer-inducing Escherichia coli: Co-delivery of 5-fluorouracil and ciprofloxacin by chitosan-coated liposomes JB de Souza, JR da Silva, PBD Maia, D de Lacerda Coriolano, ... International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 148499 , 2025 2025
Therapeutic Approach Based on Nanotechnology with Chitosan-Coated Zein Nanoparticles Containing Quercetin Against Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates AF Silva-Neto, MAA Agreles, AAV Correia, HLRQ Macêdo, ARC Amaral, ... Pharmaceutics 17 (9), 1227 , 2025 2025
β-Lapachone encapsulated into stealth liposomes: inhibition of biofilm and cell wall thickness of MRSA AMA Florenço, SST de Moura, SMFR dos Santos Medeiros, ... Brazilian Journal of Microbiology 56 (3), 1787-1795 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Resistance in gram-negative bacilli: the emergence of RND efflux pumps MAA Agreles, ALP de Moura, KFA Lima, CAM Aires, ... Future Microbiology 20 (12), 817-831 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Sequência didática eo uso de literatura de cordel como recurso pedagógico no ensino da prevenção de Doenças Transmitidas por Alimentos (DTA) DV Melo, PM Vasco de Góz, LAA Campos, KEC Lima, IMF Cavalcanti Ciência & Educação (Bauru) 31, e25024 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
WOUND HEALING EFFECTS OF Β-LAPACHONE-LOADED LIPOSOMAL HYDROGEL BASED ON BACTERIAL CELLULOSE AND HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE SB Palácio, ME de Santana Dias, DC dos Santos Macêdo, RSF Carvalho, ... Next Research, 100651 , 2025 2025
Candidiasis: Therapeutic Approaches Based on Nanotechnology LA de Almeida Campos, G de Albuquerque Moura, ... Journal of Cluster Science 36 (4), 147 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Impact of variables on recovery time in patients undergoing hemodialysis: an international survey N Ozen, T Eyileten, P Teles, B Seloglu, A Gurel, A Ocuk, V Ozen, ... BMC nephrology 26 (1), 13 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Didactic sequence using cordel literature as a pedagogical resource for teaching the prevention of foodborne diseases DV Melo, PM Vasco de Góz, LAA Campos, KEC Lima, IMF Cavalcanti Ciência & Educação (Bauru) 31, e25024 , 2025 2025
Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles by double emulsion and pH-driven: encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products for combating Escherichia coli infections LA de Almeida Campos, JB de Souza, HLR de Queiroz Macêdo, ... Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 108 (1), 351 , 2024 2024 Citations: 20
Olive oil nanoemulsion containing curcumin: antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria MVA Confessor, MAA Agreles, LAA Campos, AF Silva Neto, JC Borges, ... Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 108 (1), 241 , 2024 2024 Citations: 24
Anti-staphylococcal, antibiofilm and trypanocidal activities of CrataBL encapsulated into liposomes: Lectin with potential against infectious diseases LA de Almeida Campos, SD da Costa Junior, JV de Oliveira Santos, ... Microbial Pathogenesis 196, 107007 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5
Nanostructures for Delivery of Flavonoids with Antibacterial Potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae HLRQ Macêdo, LL de Oliveira, DN de Oliveira, KFA Lima, IMF Cavalcanti, ... Antibiotics 13 (9), 844 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Ceftazidime and Usnic Acid Encapsulated in Chitosan-Coated Liposomes for Oral Administration against Colorectal Cancer-Inducing Escherichia coli JB de Souza, D de Lacerda Coriolano, RC dos Santos Silva, ... Pharmaceuticals 17 (6), 802 , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Zein nanoparticles for drug delivery: Preparation methods and biological applications LA de Almeida Campos, AFS Neto, MCS Noronha, MF de Lima, ... International journal of pharmaceutics 635, 122754 , 2023 2023 Citations: 101
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of quercetin against clinical isolates of Staphyloccocus aureus and Staphylococcus saprophyticus with resistance profile SD da Costa Júnior, JV de Oliveira Santos, LA de Almeida Campos, ... International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology 3 (5 … , 2018 2018 Citations: 65
Advanced hydrogels combined with silver and gold nanoparticles against antimicrobial resistance YP Moreno Ruiz, LA de Almeida Campos, MA Alves Agreles, ... Antibiotics 12 (1), 104 , 2023 2023 Citations: 58
Incorporation of essential oils in polymeric films for biomedical applications JC Borges, LA de Almeida Campos, EAM Kretzschmar, IMF Cavalcanti International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 269, 132108 , 2024 2024 Citations: 32
Olive oil nanoemulsion containing curcumin: antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant bacteria MVA Confessor, MAA Agreles, LAA Campos, AF Silva Neto, JC Borges, ... Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 108 (1), 241 , 2024 2024 Citations: 24
Antibiotic resistance profiles on pathogenic bacteria in the Brazilian environments ZN de Souza, DF de Moura, LA de Almeida Campos, CR Córdula, ... Archives of Microbiology 205 (5), 185 , 2023 2023 Citations: 24
Interaction study between vancomycin and liposomes containing natural compounds against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates IMF Cavalcanti, TGC Menezes, LAA Campos, MS Ferraz, MAV Maciel, ... Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 54 (02), e00203 , 2018 2018 Citations: 22
Prevalence and implications of pKs-positive Escherichia coli in colorectal cancer JB de Souza, LA de Almeida Campos, SB Palacio, MCA Brelaz-de-Castro, ... Life Sciences 341, 122462 , 2024 2024 Citations: 21
Synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles by double emulsion and pH-driven: encapsulation of antibiotics and natural products for combating Escherichia coli infections LA de Almeida Campos, JB de Souza, HLR de Queiroz Macêdo, ... Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 108 (1), 351 , 2024 2024 Citations: 20
Antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of bacterial cellulose hydrogel containing vancomycin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis AAV Correia, LA de Almeida Campos, HLR de Queiroz Macêdo, ... Biology 13 (5), 354 , 2024 2024 Citations: 20
Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of compression molded carbon nanofiber‐reinforced polyvinylidene difluoride film VM Serrato, V Padilla, D Jones, S Herrera, L Campos, I Serrato III, H Foltz, ... Polymer Composites 44 (1), 592-608 , 2023 2023 Citations: 16
Ceftazidime and Usnic Acid Encapsulated in Chitosan-Coated Liposomes for Oral Administration against Colorectal Cancer-Inducing Escherichia coli JB de Souza, D de Lacerda Coriolano, RC dos Santos Silva, ... Pharmaceuticals 17 (6), 802 , 2024 2024 Citations: 15
Ceftazidime/tobramycin Co-Loaded chitosan-coated zein nanoparticles against antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae LAA Campos, AFS Neto, AML Scavuzzi, ACDS Lopes, ... Pharmaceuticals 17 (3), 320 , 2024 2024 Citations: 12
Effects of demographic and clinical character on differences in self‐care behavior levels with arteriovenous fistula by hemodialysis patients: An ordinal logistic regression … CN Sousa, P Teles, ARC Paquete, VFF Dias, CSS Manzini, AG Nicole, ... Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis 26 (5), 992-998 , 2022 2022 Citations: 12
How to choose the appropriate cannulation technique for vascular access in hemodialysis patients CN Sousa, P Teles, OMPL Ribeiro, R Sousa, MN Lira, E Delgado, ... Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis 27 (3), 394-401 , 2023 2023 Citations: 11
Envolvimento sustentável: o UFPE na praça incentivando a educação ambiental JK da Silva Leite, SGB de Arruda, L Alves, LA de Almeida Campos Revista Brasileira de Educação Ambiental (RevBEA) 10 (1), 301-315 , 2015 2015 Citations: 11
Nanostructures for Delivery of Flavonoids with Antibacterial Potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae HLRQ Macêdo, LL de Oliveira, DN de Oliveira, KFA Lima, IMF Cavalcanti, ... Antibiotics 13 (9), 844 , 2024 2024 Citations: 10
Natural products and combination therapy as strategies against bacterial biofilm LA de Almeida Campos, JV de Oliveira Santos, IDL Cavalcanti, AFS Neto, ... Studies in Natural Products Chemistry 77, 163-186 , 2023 2023 Citations: 7
Anti-staphylococcal, antibiofilm and trypanocidal activities of CrataBL encapsulated into liposomes: Lectin with potential against infectious diseases LA de Almeida Campos, SD da Costa Junior, JV de Oliveira Santos, ... Microbial Pathogenesis 196, 107007 , 2024 2024 Citations: 5