Desenvolvimento de sistemas magnéticos com potencialidades terapêuticas para vetorização de fármacos

Magnetic targeting is being investigated as a means of local delivery of drugs, combining precision, minimal surgical intervention, and satisfactory concentration of the drug in the target region. In view of these advantages, it is a promising strategy for improving the pharmacological response. Magnetic particles are attracted by a magnetic field gradient, and drugs bound to them can be driven to their site of action by means of the selective application of magnetic field on the desired area. Helicobacter pylori is the commonest chronic bacterial infection. The treatment of choice has commonly been based upon a triple therapy combining two antibiotics and an anti-secretory agent. Furthermore, an extended-release profile is of utmost importance for these formulations. The aim of this work was to develop a magnetic system containing the antibiotic amoxicillin for oral magnetic drug targeting. First, magnetic particles were produced by coprecipitation of iron salts in alkaline medium. The second step was coating the particles and amoxicillin with Eudragit® S-100 by spray-drying technique. The system obtained demonstrated through the characterization studies carried out a possible oral drug delivery system, consisting in magnetite microparticles and amoxicillin, coated with a polymer acid resistant. This system can be used to deliver drugs to the stomach for treatment of infections in this organ. Another important finding in this work is that it opens new prospects to coat magnetic microparticles by the technique of spray-drying.

Análise microbiológica da cavidade interna de implantes dentais osseointegrados utilizando o checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization

Introduction: Infiltration of organic fluids and microorganisms at the abutment/implant interface may result in bacterial infection of peri-implant tissues. Internal colonization of periodontal pathogens may be caused by bacteria trapped during installation or penetration of abutment/implant leakage. The aim of this study was to detect periodontal pathogens in the internal area of dental implants before loading. Materials and Methods: Seventy-eight implants in 32 partially edentulous subjects were selected for this evaluation. A bacterial biofilm sample of the internal surface of each implant was taken and analyzed for the presence of 40 microorganisms by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, prior to installation of healing or any other prosthetic abutment. Discussion: Bacteria were detected in 20 patients (62.5%), distributed in 41 implants (52.6%). Forty-seven percent of implants showed no bacterial detection. Spontaneous early implant exposure to oral cavity during the healing period was not significant (P >0.05) to increase bacterial prevalence, but implants placed at mandible had higher bacterial prevalence than maxillary ones. Conclusion: The internal surface of dental implants can serve as a reservoir of periodontal pathogens for future implant/abutment interface.