Verônica Ferrari Cervi

Bio: Verônica Ferrari Cervi is an academic researcher from Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nanocapsules & Diphenyl diselenide. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 10 publications receiving 133 citations.

Xanthan gum-based hydrogel containing nanocapsules for cutaneous diphenyl diselenide delivery in melanoma therapy

Abstract: The aim of this study was to further evaluate the antitumoral effect of (PhSe)2-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NC (PhSe)2) against a resistant melanoma cell line (SK-Mel-103) and develop a xanthan gum-based hydrogel intending the NC (PhSe)2 cutaneous application. For the in vitro evaluation, cells were incubated with free (PhSe)2 or NC (PhSe)2 (0.7–200 μM) and after 48 h the MTT assay, propidium iodide uptake (necrosis marker) and nitrite levels were assessed. The hydrogels were developed by thickening of the NC (PhSe)2 suspension or (PhSe)2 solution with xanthan gum and characterized in terms of average diameter, polydispersity index, pH, drug content, spreadability, rheological profiles and in vitro permeation in human skin. The results showed that NC (PhSe)2 provided a superior antitumoral effect in comparison to free (PhSe)2 (IC50 value of 47.43 μM and 65.05 μM, respectively) and increased the nitrite content. Both compound forms induced propidium iodide uptake, suggesting a necrosis-related pathway could be involved in the cytotoxic action of (PhSe)2. All hydrogels showed pH values around 7, drug content close to the theoretical values (5 mg/g) and mean diameter in the nanometric range. Besides, formulations were classified as non-Newtonian flow with pseudoplastic behavior and suitable spreadability factor. Skin permeation studies revealed that the compound content was higher for the nano-based hydrogel in the dermis layer, demonstrating its superior permeation, achieved by the compound encapsulation. It is the first report on an adequate formulation development for cutaneous application of NC (PhSe)2 that could be used as an adjuvant treatment in melanoma therapy.

Pomegranate seed oil nanoemulsions with selective antiglioma activity: optimization and evaluation of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative effects on mononuclear cells

Abstract: Context: Glioma is a malignant brain tumor with rapid proliferation, infiltrative growth, poor prognosis and it is chemoresistent. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. This study showed the optimization of PSO nanoemulsions (NEs) as an alternative for glioma treatment.Objective: The study aimed to evaluate PSO NEs cytotoxicity on human blood cells and antiglioma effects against C6 cells.Materials and methods: NEs were prepared by the spontaneous emulsification method, using PSO at 1.5 and 3.0%, and were evaluated regarding their physical stability and antioxidant activity. Toxicity evaluations in human blood cells were performed in terms of cell viability, genotoxicity, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, catalase activity and hemolysis at 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL PSO, after a 72-h incubation period. In vitro antitumor effect was determined against glioma cells after 24 and 48 h, and astrocytes were used as a non-transformed cell model.Resul...

Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils

Abstract: Plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. This article briefly reviews the available data on biological influences of topical skin applications of some plant oils (olive oil, olive pomace oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, argan oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, borage oil, jojoba oil, oat oil, pomegranate seed oil, almond oil, bitter apricot oil, rose hip oil, German chamomile oil, and shea butter). Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.

TheIdentity ofGlutathione S-Transferase B withLigandin, aMajorBinding Protein ofLiver

Abstract: Evidence ispresented thatligandin, an intracellular protein involved inthebinding ofsuchanions asbilirubin, indocyanine green, andpenicillin, isidentical toglutathione S-transferase B (EC2.5.1.18), an enzyme catalyzing theconjugation ofglutathione withsuchelec- trophiles as1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, 1,2-dichloro-4- nitrobenzene, iodomethane, ethacrynic acid,andbromo- sulfophthalein. Theproteins, isolated bydistinct methods, havethesamespecificity forsubstrates andforligands, reactinidentical fashion toantibody pioducedagainst ligandin, bearentirely sinlilar physical characteristics and aminoacidcomposition, andarebothinduced inresponse tophenobarbital. Indocyanine green, oneoftheligands thatisnoteffective asasubstrate, wasshowhtocompeti- tively inhibit theconjugation reaction. Itissuggested that specificity isdirected towardcompoundswithelectrophilic sites. ligandin isacytoplasmic protein found inabundance inthe liver ofrat, man,andother species. Thisprotein iscapable ofbinding noncovalently alarge number ofcompounds, which includes bilirubin, heme,benzyl penicillin, certain steroids, andsuchdyesasbromosulfophthalein

Nanoemulsions and Their Potential Applications in Food Industry

Abstract: Nanoemulsions have small droplet size and are kinetically stable colloidal systems. They have enhanced functional properties in comparison to conventional emulsions. The composition and structure of the nanoemulsions can be controlled for the encapsulation and effective delivery of bioactive lipophilic compounds. Nanoemulsions have potential application in the food industry for the delivery of nutraceuticals, coloring and flavoring agents, and antimicrobials. The nanoemulsion formulations of active ingredients can be used for developing biodegradable coating and packaging films to enhance the quality, functional properties, nutritional value and shelf life of foods. This review focuses on preparation of food grade nanoemulsions using high-energy methods and low-energy approaches and their characterization for physical properties, stability and microstructure. The application of nanoemulsion formulations for sustainable food processing and improving the delivery of functional compounds, such as colorants, flavouring agents, nutraceuticals and preservatives or antimicrobial agents in foods has been discussed.

Polymeric Nanocapsules as Nanotechnological Alternative for Drug Delivery System: Current Status, Challenges and Opportunities.

Abstract: Polymer-based nanocapsules have been widely studied as a potential drug delivery system in recent years. Nanocapsules-as one of kind nanoparticle-provide a unique nanostructure, consisting of a liquid/solid core with a polymeric shell. This is of increasing interest in drug delivery applications. In this review, nanocapsules delivery systems studied in last decade are reviewed, along with nanocapsule formulation, characterizations of physical/chemical/biologic properties and applications. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities of nanocapsules applications are also proposed.

Advancements in nanotherapeutics for Alzheimer's disease: current perspectives.

Abstract: Objectives Considerable progress has been made in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but all available strategies focus on alleviating symptoms rather than curing, which means that AD is viewed as an unresolvable neurodegenerative disease. Nanotechnological applications offer an alternative platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to summarize the recent nanomedicine and nanotechnology developments for the treatment of AD. Key findings A plethora of nanocarriers and nanoparticle prodrugs have been reported to have negligible cytotoxicity in animal models, and these developments have revealed new opportunities for development of new classes of potent drug formulations for AD. Different nanotechnology-based approaches such as polymers, emulsions, lipo-carriers, solid lipid carriers, carbon nanotubes and metal-based carriers have been developed over the past decade, and they have been focusing on both neuroprotective and neurogenerative techniques to treat AD. Studies also reveal that nanotechnological approaches can aid in early diagnosis of AD and enhance therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability. Summary Notably, the drugs used conventionally to target the central nervous system have limitations that include an inability to cross the 'blood-brain barrier' or the 'blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier' effectively and high drug efflux due to the activity of P-glycoprotein, but these limitations can be successfully overcome when nanocarriers are used for targeted drug delivery in AD.