REUSE OF WASTE FROM BARU NUTS (Dipteryx alata) AND CHIA SEEDS (Salvia hispanica L) FOR APPLICATION IN NANOSTRUCTURED FORMULATIONS FOR TOPICAL USE

Abstract

Baru nuts (Dipteryx alata) and chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) are rich in antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, tocopherols and triterpenes, unsaturated fatty acids and triacylglycerides. The production of baru and chia oils by mechanical extraction generates waste, which could be reused for the production of plant extracts and, in this way, reduce waste and environmental impact. The composition of both extracts favors their use for medicinal purposes, for their pharmacological effects and, mainly, for their antioxidant activity and healing potential. Due to adverse effects of conventional therapy of topical fungal infections, new drug delivery systems are needed for this treatment. Liposomes are nanostructures studied as a promising alternative for this topical release. The association of liposomes with antifungals may benefit the permeation of the drug in the skin. However, the formulation can undergo oxidation, impacting its stability. By using extracts from baru and chia plant residues, with potential antioxidant action, combined with liposomes, it is assumed that problems involving both permeation and stability are avoided. The healing potential of the extracts can also generate a formulation with a multifunctional purpose. Therefore, the objectives of the study are (i) to extract and characterize the residues of baru nut and chia seed, (ii) to produce liposomes enriched with extracts of baru or chia residues, (iii) to incorporate the antifungal fluconazole into the liposomes enriched, (iv) characterize the liposomes in terms of mean diameter, size distribution, morphology, encapsulation efficiency and fluconazole release and (v) evaluate the permeation, stability, antifungal and healing activity of the final formulations.