Obtenção e investigação da atividade de nanoemulsão de óleo de melaleuca em Candida albicans

Abstract

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is associated with the genus Candida with a high frequency among women and has been the target of extensive scientific research aimed at improving treatment alternatives for this pathology, with Candida albicans being the species found in most cases, except in cases of resistance to antifungals where non-albicans species can be found, which can also hinder the action of existing drugs responsible for treating VVC. The objective of the study was to prepare a formulation containing tea tree oil and demonstrate the effectiveness of its use in nanoemulsion as an alternative treatment for VVC. The nanoemulsion was prepared using the ultrasonification technique, demonstrating a homogeneous visual appearance without sedimentation in the final preparation. The characterization of the nanoemulsion was carried out by analyzing the size and Polydispersity Index (PDI) using the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) process, and for the Zeta Potential results, the Electrophoretic Light Scattering procedure was carried out, all analyzed in the equipment Zetasizer, the average values obtained were: 15.74nm in diameter, 0.4 in PDI and -25.29mV in Zeta potential. The nanoemulsion stability test over a period of 30 days showed satisfactory results with good stability of the nanoparticles. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) for tea tree oil showed good results in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans ATCC 10231. Toxicity tests on red blood cells demonstrated hemolysis in the initial concentrations of the nanoemulsion and positive results in subsequent dilutions.