Lucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho

Mr. Lucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 February 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ÁAÁlisson Emannuel Franco Alves
Álisson Emannuel Franco Alves
ABAnne B. C. Barros
Anne B. C. Barros
LSLindomara Cristina Félix da Silva
Lindomara Cristina Félix da Silva
LCLucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho
Lucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho
GPGraziela M. A. Pereira
Graziela M. A. Pereira
FXFrancisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior
Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior
Advances in medical nanobiotechnology have notably enhanced the application of snake venom toxins, facilitating the development of new therapies with animal-derived toxins. The vast diversity of snake species and their venom complexities underline the need for ongoing research. This review is dedicated to exploring the integration of snake venom with nanoparticles to enable their use in human therapies aiming to develop treatments. The complex mixture of snake venom not only inflicts significant pathological effects but also offers valuable insights for the creation of innovative therapies, particularly in the realm of nanobiotechnology. Nanoscale encapsulation not only mitigates the inherent toxicity of snake venom but also amplifies their antitumoral, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. The synergy between venom-derived macromolecules and nanotechnology offers a novel pathway for augmenting the efficacy and safety of conventional antivenom therapies, extending their applicability beyond treating bites to potentially addressing a myriad of health issues. In conclusion, nanotechnology presents a compelling therapeutic frontier that promises to improve current treatment modalities and ameliorate the adverse effects associated with venomous snakebites.

13 March 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AUAna F. C. Uchôa
Ana F. C. Uchôa
AFAllessya Lara Dantas Formiga
Allessya Lara Dantas Formiga
ACAnny Letícia Marinho Ramos Cardoso
Anny Letícia Marinho Ramos Cardoso
GPGraziela M. A. Pereira
Graziela M. A. Pereira
LCLucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho
Lucas Medeiros Martins Carvalho
FXFrancisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior
Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior
Background/Objectives: Carvacrol, a monoterpenoid phenol found in essential oils, exhibits many biological activities, including anticancer properties through mechanisms such as induction of apoptosis. These properties can be enhanced if encapsulated within nanoparticles. This study focuses on producing functionalized carvacrol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) applied to the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: NLCs were produced by hot emulsification with the sonication method and optimized by the Box–Behnken design, considering Precirol® (1, 4, 7%), carvacrol (1, 5, 9%), and Tween® (0.1, 0.5, 0.9%) as independent variables. Results: The optimized NLC containing 2% carvacrol had a particle size of 111 ± 2 nm, PdI of 0.26 ± 0.01, and zeta potential of −24 ± 0.8 mV. The solid lipid (Precirol®) was the variable that most influenced particle size. NLCs were functionalized with Pluronic® F68, cholesterol, chitosan, and polyethylene glycol (0.05–0.2%), with oNLC-Chol presenting the most promising results, with no significant increase in particle size (±12 nm) and high encapsulation efficiency (98%). Infrared spectra confirm effective carvacrol encapsulation, and stability tests showed no significant physicochemical changes for 120 days of storage at 4 °C. When incubated with albumin (5 mg/mL), NLCs showed overall good stability over 24 h, except for oNLC-Chol, which increased slightly in size after 24 h. In addition, oNLC increased the cytotoxic effect of carvacrol by 12-fold, resulting in an IC50 of 7 ± 1 μg/mL. Conclusions: Therefore, it was possible to produce stable, homogeneous NLCs with nanometric sizes containing 2% carvacrol that displayed improved anticancer efficacy, indicating their potential as a delivery system.

5 January 2025 in Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
AUAna F. C. Uchôa
Ana F. C. Uchôa
AFAllessya Lara Dantas Formiga
Allessya Lara Dantas Formiga
ÁAÁlisson Alves
Álisson Alves
ACAnny Letícia Marinho Ramos Cardoso
Anny Letícia Marinho Ramos Cardoso
GPGraziela Maria de Araujo Pereira
Graziela Maria de Araujo Pereira
FXFrancisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior
Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior