In vitro release and antioxidative potential of Pequi oil-based biopolymers (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess)

Biopolymers based on the pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) were synthesized in order to be implemented as drug vehicles. The polymers were characterized by various techniques. Associated with these techniques were the release tests (diclofenac sodium - DS) at pH 1.2 and pH 7.4. According to the results, the technique of FTIR and 1H NMR prove the effectiveness of the synthesis; the XRD technique confirms the amorphous nature of the polymers; the hydrophobic nature of the polymers was revealed by the test of the contact angle (with the P2 polymer having the lowest degree of hydrophilicity and the highest thermal stability according to the results of the thermal analysis (TG / DTG). The % of drug released was higher at pH 7.4 than at pH 1.2, for both P1 and P2, indicating that the polymers under study showed good pH sensitivity. None of the polymers has an oxidative potential. However, they present a significant potential to reduce the growth inhibition and to increase the survival of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae tested strains. The lowest concentration (100 μg mL−1) is considered to be the most effective, suggesting that the polymers under study can also be used for the development of biomaterials capable of reinforcing cellular antioxidative defenses.