Multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with naringenin have been developed as new drug carriers to improve the performance of lung cancer treatment. The nanocarrier was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Drug release rates were determined in vitro by the dialysis method. The cytotoxic profile was evaluated using the MTT assay, against a human skin cell line (hFB) as a model for normal cells, and against an adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial (A569) cell line as a lung cancer in vitro model. The results demonstrated that the functionalization of carbon nanotubes with naringenin occurred by non-covalent interactions. The release profiles demonstrated a pH-responsive behavior, showing a prolonged release in the tumor pH environment. The naringenin-functionalized carbon nanotubes showed lower cytotoxicity on non-malignant cells (hFB) than free naringenin, with an improved anticancer effect on malignant lung cells (A549) as an in vitro model of lung cancer.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) promotes a cascade of inflammatory events that are responsible for neuronal death and glial scar formation at the site of the injury, hindering tissue neuroregeneration. Among the main approaches for the treatment of SCI, the use of biomaterials, especially gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), has been proposed because it is biocompatible, has excellent mechanical properties, favoring cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, it can act as a carrier of anti-inflammatory drugs, preventing the formation of glial scars. The present work presents the development and in situ application of a light-curing formulation based on GelMA containing a natural extract rich in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective substances (hydroalcoholic extract of red propolis—HERP) in an experimental model of SCI in rats. The formulations were prepared and characterized by time of UV exposition, FTIR, swelling and degradation. The hydrogels containing 1 mg/mL of HERP were obtained by the exposure to UV radiation of 2 μL of the formulation for 60 s. The locomotor evaluation of the animals was performed by the scale (BBB) and demonstrated that after 3 and 7 days of the injury, the GelMA-HERP group (BBB = 5 and 7) presented greater recovery compared to the GelMA group (BBB = 4 and 5). Regarding the inflammatory process, using histomorphological techniques, there was an inflammation reduction in the groups treated with GelMA and GelMA-HERP, with decreases of cavitation in the injury site. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that the use of GelMA and GelMA-HERP hydrogel formulations is a promising strategy for the treatment of SCI when applied in situ, as soon as possible after the injury, improving the clinical and inflammatory conditions of the treated animals.

A sustentabilidade e a promoção da saúde configuram-se como pilares essenciais no setor farmacêutico, diretamente relacionados à responsabilidade socioambiental e aos impactos decorrentes das atividades industriais. Diante da crescente necessidade de práticas sustentáveis, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a implementação de estratégias para o gerenciamento do descarte de medicamentos e embalagens, com vistas à redução dos resíduos farmacêuticos no meio ambiente. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases SciELO, PubMed e LILACS, a partir da análise de 10 artigos selecionados conforme critérios de relevância e atualidade. Os achados revelam entraves logísticos e operacionais enfrentados por farmácias e drogarias, especialmente no que se refere ao transporte e ao tratamento adequado dos resíduos. Além disso, observou-se a carência de infraestrutura e de ações de conscientização, o que agrava a problemática. Nesse sentido, conclui-se que a gestão adequada desses resíduos constitui uma estratégia indispensável para a sustentabilidade do setor. A adoção de tecnologias inovadoras, como sistemas de logística reversa e processos de reciclagem, associada à implementação de campanhas educativas direcionadas a profissionais da área e à população em geral, mostra-se fundamental para mitigar os impactos ambientais e consolidar práticas mais responsáveis no ciclo de vida dos medicamentos.