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A doação de sangue é um assunto discutido mundialmente, visto que a transfusão de hemocomponentes salva milhões de vidas. Nesse sentido, o estudo objetivou analisar o perfil da população doadora de um Hemocentro Regional e descrever os fatores motivacionais à adesão ao processo de doação de sangue. Para tal, realizou-se um estudo observacional descritivo, com participantes selecionados de forma aleatória. Os dados foram coletados a partir de um questionário, o qual contemplava o perfil sociodemográfico, profissão, motivo da doação, satisfação com o serviço, meios de divulgação da doação, dentre outros. Na amostra de 201 voluntários, prevaleceram indivíduos com idade inferior a 35 anos, remunerados com até 3 salários-mínimos, nível de escolaridade ensino médio completo e que desempenhavam atividades variadas. Os doadores apresentaram-se satisfeitos com o serviço, além de afirmarem que a falta de incentivo aos jovens nas escolas prejudica a fidelização. Além disso, o principal fator motivacional foi o desejo de ajudar ao próximo, destacando que 99%dos voluntários voltariam a doar. Entre os doadores entrevistados, houve uma baixa adesão à doação pelos profissionais da área da saúde. A maioria dos participantes afirmou ter conhecimento sobre a doação por meio da mídia tradicional. Assim, pode-se evidenciar que a conscientização do processo, principalmente aos jovens, se faz necessária para a captação de voluntários e ainda a disseminação da necessidade das doações regulares é importante para a fidelização dos doadores, bem como a disponibilização de uma boa infraestrutura e profissionais habilitados nos serviços de doação.

Mucoadhesive nanostructured systems comprising poloxamer 407 and Carbopol 974P® have already demonstrated good mucoadhesion, as well as improved mechanical and rheological properties. Curcumin displays excellent biological activity, mainly in oral squamous cancer; however, its physicochemical characteristics hinder its application. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop nanostructured formulations containing curcumin for oral cancer therapy. The photophysical interactions between curcumin and the formulations were elucidated by incorporation kinetics and location studies. They revealed that the drug was quickly incorporated and located in the hydrophobic portion of nanometer-sized polymeric micelles. Moreover, the systems displayed plastic behavior with rheopexy characteristics at 37 °C, viscoelastic properties and a gelation temperature of 36 °C, which ensures increased retention after application in the oral cavity. The mucoadhesion results confirmed the previous findings with the nanostructured systems showing a residence time of 20 min in porcine oral mucosa under flow system conditions. Curcumin was released after 8 h and could permeate through the porcine oral mucosa. Cytotoxicity testing revealed that the formulations were selective to cancer cells over healthy cells. Therefore, these systems could improve the physicochemical characteristics of curcumin by providing improved release and permeation, while selectivity targeting cancer cells.

Emulgels are obtained by the entrapment of an organic phase within a three-dimensional network built by hydrophilic molecules. Polymers based on cross-linked poly(acrylic acid) have been utilized as gel matrices, improving adhesiveness, rheological and mechanical performance. Propolis (PRP) produced by Apis mellifera L. bees displays a wide range of biological activities. Together with curcumin (CUR), they may show synergic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial action on skin disorders. This work investigated the effect of vegetable oils (sweet almond, andiroba, and passion fruit) with regard to the physicochemical properties of emulgels composed of Carbopol 934P®, Carbopol 974P®, or polycarbophil aiming the CUR and PRP delivery. Physicochemical stability enabled the selection of systems containing passion fruit or andiroba oil. Mechanical and rheological characteristics provided rational comprehension of how vegetable oils and bioactive agents affect the structure of emulsion gels. All formulations exhibited high physiochemical stability and properties dependent on the polymer type, oil, and bioactive agent. Formulations displayed pseudoplastic, thixotropic and viscoelastic properties. Emulgels containing andiroba oil were the most stable systems. Carbopol 934P® or polycarbophil presence resulted in formulations with improved smoothness and mechanical properties. Systems containing andiroba oil and one of these two polymers are promising for further investigations as topical delivery systems of CUR and/or PRP on the skin and mucous membranes.

abstract This study investigated the development and characterized the physicochemical properties of films obtained from by-products (BP) from the preparation of propolis extracts. Films were produced in the presence and absence of a polymeric adjuvant (gelatin or ethylcellulose) and propylene glycol by a solvent casting method. Density, surface topography by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties (folding endurance, tensile strength and percentage elongation), water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture uptake capacity, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were determined. The films were a transparent, light greenish-yellow colour, with a uniform surface, and were flexible and easy to handle. The thickness and density of the preparations indicated that the compounds were homogeneously dispersed throughout the film. Mechanical properties were influenced by the film composition; films containing gelatin were more resistant to stress, while those containing ethylcellulose were more flexible. Increasing the adjuvant concentration decreased the elasticity and the rupture resistance, but increased the moisture uptake capacity and WVP of the formulations. BP was thermally stable as were the films. FTIR tests suggested interactions between BP and the adjuvants. This work could contribute to the utilization of BP to prepare films for food and pharmaceutical uses