DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBRANES CONTAINING ¿-CARRAGEENAN MICROSPHERES LOADED WITH AÇAÍ EXTRACT

Abstract

Pressure ulcers are injuries to the skin or tissue that generally occur as a result of other diseasesthat lead to loss of patient's mobility, who becomes bedridden, leading to pressure in a specific area anddecreased blood circulation. In this context, it is essential to develop new formulations for topical use for theprevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, aiming relieving pain, preventing microbiological contamination,in addition to more efficient and low-cost healing. Although numerous pharmacological activities of the açaíseed have already been described in the literature, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory andskin cell proliferation activities, the stability of natural extracts when added to formulations remains achallenge. Therefore, the present project aims to develop carrageenan microspheres containing açaí seedextract and their incorporation into polysaccharide membranes, aiming to develop a topical formulation forthe treatment of pressure ulcers. The microspheres and membranes will be characterized regarding mass andthickness uniformity, encapsulation efficiency and açaí extract release profile, mechanical and mucoadhesionproperties, in vitro disintegration, morphology, and swelling degree.