Theranostics combines therapeutic and imaging diagnostic techniques that are extremely dependent on the action of imaging agent, transporter of therapeutic molecules, and specific target ligand, in which fluorescent probes can act as diagnostic agents. In particular, naphthoimidazoles are potential bioactive heterocycle compounds to be used in several biomedical applications. With this aim, a group of seven naphth[1,2-d]imidazole compounds were synthesized from β-lapachone. Their optical properties and their cytotoxic activity against cancer cells and their compounds were evaluated and confirmed promising values for molar absorptivity coefficients (on the order of 10³ to 10⁴), intense fluorescence emissions in the blue region, and large Stokes shifts (20–103 nm). Furthermore, the probes were also selective for analyzed cancer cells (leukemic cells (HL-60). The naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles showed IC₅₀ between 8.71 and 29.92 μM against HL-60 cells. For HCT-116 cells, values for IC₅₀ between 21.12 and 62.11 μM were observed. The selective cytotoxicity towards cancer cells and the fluorescence of the synthesized naphth[1,2-d]imidazoles are promising responses that make possible the application of these components in antitumor theranostic systems.

Background/Objectives: Andiroba oil, extracted from Carapa guianensis seeds, possesses therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize a nanoemulsion formulation containing andiroba oil (NeAnd) and to evaluate its cytotoxicity and wound healing potential in vitro. Methods: The oil was evaluated for acidity, antioxidant activity, and fatty acid composition. NeAnd was produced by ultrasonication and characterized using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), Raman spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Results: NeAnd exhibited a spherical shape and stable physicochemical properties, with an average hydrodynamic diameter (HD) of 205.7 ± 3.9 nm, a polydispersity index (PdI) of 0.295 ± 0.05, a negative zeta potential of −4.16 ± 0.414 mV, and pH of approximately 6.5. These nanodroplets remained stable for 120 days when stored at 4 °C and maintained their parameters even under pH variations. FTIR and Raman analyses confirmed the presence of functional groups and the organization of fatty acid chains in NeAnd. Cell viability assays revealed no statistically significant differences in cytotoxicity at various concentrations (90–360 µg/mL) after 24 and 48 h. In scratch wound healing assays, NeAnd significantly enhanced wound closure (88.9%) compared to the PBS control (38%) and free andiroba oil (68.6%) in keratinocytes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These promising findings indicate NeAnd as a potential nanophytomedicine for wound healing and tissue regeneration treatments.

Resumo Em 2020, o mundo foi surpreendido pela pandemia causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, e o distanciamento social tornou-se uma das medidas adotadas para conter a propagação do vírus e preservar vidas. As instituições educacionais interromperam suas atividades presenciais e, para garantir o acesso à educação, algumas começaram a oferecer atividades de ensino através de meios digitais e remotos. Esta situação fez com que cursos com componentes curriculares práticos tivessem que adaptar aulas práticas presenciais para serem desenvolvidas remotamente. Indicadores de pH, ácido e base são tópicos multidisciplinares em diversas disciplinas de natureza prática, cujo entendimento teórico e experimental é de grande relevância para a formação de profissionais em diferentes áreas. Assim, este trabalho propõe a aplicação das propriedades colorimétricas do chá de flores de hibisco como um indicador de pH, para o desenvolvimento de aulas experimentais das funções ácido e base em ambientes domésticos ou de ensino com escassez de recursos. Dois materiais indicadores ácido-base, a solução HB-pH e a fita FHB-pH, foram produzidos a partir do chá de flores de hibisco. Ambos foram capazes de indicar qualitativamente a acidez ou basicidade das amostras avaliadas. A proposta provou ser adequada para ser desenvolvida em um ambiente doméstico, podendo ser aplicada em classes remotas que necessitam de uma abordagem prática em indicadores de ácido, base, escala e pH.