Development and characterization of a transdermal patch and an emulgel containing kanamycin intended to be used in the treatment of mycetoma caused by Actinomadura madurae.

Background: Mycetoma is a chronic, degenerative, and incapacitating infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

Aim: This study focuses on developing a kanamycin-based auxiliary system intended to be used in the treatment of mycetoma caused by Actinomadura madurae.

Methods: Transdermal patches (with two different formulations: one with free kanamycin [K] and the other one with kanamycin adsorbed in silica [K-SG]) and an emulgel were developed.

The use of iontophoresis in the administration of nicotine and new non-nicotine drugs through the skin for smoking cessation.

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive disorders and delayed wound healing all over the world; as such, the goals of smoking cessation are both to reduce health risks and to improve quality of life. The development of novel and more effective medications for smoking cessation is crucial in the treatment of nicotine dependence. Currently, first-line smoking cessation therapies include nicotine replacement products and bupropion.

Preparation of nanoparticles by solvent displacement using a novel recirculation system.

Submicron colloidal suspensions of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by the solvent displacement method, using either the conventional form or a new recirculation device. In the latter case, a process that allows the recirculation of the aqueous phase into a device, providing a continuous flow, is proposed. The influence of the organic solution injection rate and polymer concentration on mean particle size and process yield were studied for both methods.

Chemical enhancers for the absorption of substances through the skin: Laurocapram and its derivatives.

Absorption enhancers are substances used for temporarily increasing a membrane's permeability (e.g., the skin and mucosa), either by interacting with its components (lipids or proteins) or by increasing the membrane/vehicle partition coefficient.