LAUSR

The encapsulation of 1,10-epoxyparthenolide (EP) in polymeric nanoparticles could contribute to the development of novel treatments for tuberculosis (TB). TB caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the most devastating bacterial diseases to affect humans [1]. Although an effective therapeutic regimen is available, patient non-compliance results in treatment failure as well as the emergence of drug resistance [2]. Due to the appearance of resistant strains, new alternatives have been sought for the treatment of this disease, in this context, new compounds from plants with antimicrobial potential have been investigated. EP is a compound isolated from the plant Ambrosia confertiflora, which is responsible for the antimycobacterial activity of this plant [3]. PLGA nanoparticles loaded with EP (EPPNP) were prepared by using a single emulsification technique followed by solvent evaporation [4]. Briefly, 50 mg of PLGA and 2.5 mg of EP were dissolved in 5 mL of dichloromethane (DCM). Next, 25 mL of aqueous solution of 3% w/v poly(vinyl alcohol) was added to the organic phase. The mixture was emulsified at 75% of amplitude for 1 minute. The organic solvent was evaporated at room temperature (25°C), under magnetic stirring. Then, the solution was washed by three centrifugation cycles. After washing, particles were characterized, freeze-dried and stored for further use.