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Browsing by Author "Rodrigues, Francisca"

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  • Hydrogels containing porphyrin-loaded nanoparticles for topical photodynamic applications
    Publication . González-Delgado, José A.; Castro, Pedro M.; Machado, Alexandra; Araújo, Francisca; Rodrigues, Francisca; Korsak, Bárbara; Ferreira, Marta; Tomé, João P.C.; Sarmento, Bruno
    5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methylpyridinium-4-yl)-porphyrin tetra-iodide (TMPyP), a potent water-soluble photosensitizer (PS) used in antimicrobial applications, was encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (TMPyP-PLGA) for topical delivery purposes. Nanoparticles resulted in a mean particle size around 130nm, narrow polydispersity index (PdI), spherical morphology and association efficiency up to 93%. Free TMPyP and TMPyP-PLGA nanoparticles were incorporated into Carbopol(®) hydrogels, resulting in controlled TMPyP release of about 60% and 20% after 4.5h, respectively. Critical properties such as appearance, clarity, viscosity and pH were maintained over time, as hydrogels were stable during 6 months at 4°C, 25°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH. For photodynamic applications, the photoproduction of singlet oxygen from these hydrogels was quite efficient being both formulations very photostable after 20min. No TMPyP permeation through pig ear skin was observed after 24h, and histological assays did not show relevant damages in surrounding tissues. All these excellent characteristics make them promising platforms for photodynamic applications through topical clinical use.
    2016Journal article Restricted access Show more
  • Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from goji berries: optimization, bioactivity, and intestinal permeability assessment
    Publication . Teixeira, Filipa; Silva, Ana Margarida; Sut, Stefania; Dall'Acqua, Stefano; Ramos, Oscar L.; Ribeiro, Alessandra B.; Ferraz, Ricardo; Delerue-Matos, Cristina; Rodrigues, Francisca
    Lycium barbarum L. berries have a remarkable chemical composition and extensive biological activities, being a valuable component of health and nutraceutical practices. Nevertheless, a deep insight on the intestinal permeation of the pro-healthy bioactive compounds is urgently needed to predict the real effects on human body. This study attempted, for the first time, to optimize the Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) of goji berries using a Response Surface Methodology approach and establish the intestinal permeation of the principal pro-healthy compounds. The optimal extraction conditions were a solid:liquid ratio of 8.75 % for 56.21 min, using an intensity of 59.05 W/m2. The optimal extract displayed a remarkable antioxidant capacity, with LC/DAD-ESI-MS analysis unveiled a diverse phytochemical profile, encompassing different compounds (e.g. glu-lycibarbarspermidine F, 2-glu-kukoamine, rutin, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid). The intestinal co-culture model demonstrated that glu-lycibarbarspermidine F (isomer 2) (73.70 %), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (52.66 %), and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (49.31 %) traversed the intestinal cell layer, exerting beneficial health-promoting effects.
    2024-07Journal article Open access Show more