Copaiba Research Articles

Evaluation of Lure Combinations Containing Essential Oils and Volatile Spiroketals for Detection of Host-Seeking Xyleborus glabratus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae).

The invasive redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), vectors the fungal pathogen (Raffaelea lauricola) that causes laurel wilt, a disease responsible for widespread mortality of trees in the Lauraceae in the southeastern United States. Early detection of incipient vector populations may allow for management practices that could successfully mitigate damage. Developing new, highly effective attractants is a priority for improving sensitivity of early detection efforts. In this study, two field tests were conducted to evaluate combinations of commercially available bark and ambrosia beetle lures for enhanced attraction of host-seeking female X. glabratus. In addition, lures were compared for capture of nontarget scolytine beetles. In the first experiment, traps baited with a combination of cubeb oil, conophthorin, chalcogran, and ethanol captured greater numbers of X. glabratus than cubeb oil alone, the current standard attractant. However, this combination lure resulted in higher nontarget scolytine captures than with the cubeb lure. In the second field test, an oil enriched in the sesquiterpene α-copaene caught significantly more X. glabratus than other lures currently available for monitoring this pest. There were no differences in efficacy between cubeb oil lures produced by two different manufacturers, and a combination lure containing copaiba and cubeb oils did not increase captures over the cubeb lure alone. Results of these two tests suggest that increased sensitivity for detection of X. glabratus may be achieved with a multicomponent lure that incorporates α-copaene, spiroketals, and low release of ethanol.

Assessing the performance of copaiba oil and allantoin nanoparticles on multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis

This study investigated the chemical and morphological structure of solid lipid nanoparticles made from copaiba oil. Moreover, the influence of allantoin in the formulations was investigated, as was the mechanism of action of the nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant Candida parapsilosis. Formulations were prepared via high-pressure homogenisation. Photon correlation spectroscopy and laser diffraction showed nanoparticles with diameters below 150 nm, narrow size distribution and negative zeta potential values. The nanoparticles' antifungal activity was assessed using a sorbitol protection assay. The ergosterol content and the influence of sorbitol on the minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. The nanoparticles displayed nonspecific action on fungal cells. The antifungal effect is related to a complex synergism of natural substances with deeper action on cell replication. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the individual behaviour of each component was modified in the formulation. Transmission electron microscopy showed differences in morphology caused by the presence of allantoin. The smaller particles can penetrate deeply into fungal cells. These findings indicated that even without antifungal effects when used in isolation, the incorporation of allantoin modified the size distribution, zeta potential and morphological structure of copaiba oil nanoparticles, resulting in particles with greater antifungal effects against multidrug-resistant yeasts.

Natural lipids-based NLC containing lidocaine: from pre-formulation to in vivo studies

In a nanotechnological approach we have investigated the use of natural lipids in the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Three different NLC composed of copaiba oil and beeswax, sweet almond oil and shea butter, and sesame oil and cocoa butter as structural matrices were optimized using factorial analysis; Pluronic® 68 and lidocaine (LDC) were used as the colloidal stabilizer and model encapsulated drug, respectively. The optimal formulations were characterized by different techniques (IR-ATR, DSC, and TEM), and their safety and efficacy were also tested. These nanocarriers were able to upload high amounts of the anesthetic with a sustained in vitro release profile for 24h. The physicochemical stability in terms of size (nm), PDI, zeta potential (mV), pH, nanoparticle concentration (particles/mL), and visual inspection was followed during 12months of storage at 25°C. The formulations exhibited excellent structural properties and stability. They proved to be nontoxic in vitro (cell viability tests with Balb/c 3T3 fibroblasts) and significantly improved the in vivo effects of LDC, over the heart rate of zebra fish larvae and in the blockage of sciatic nerve in mice. The results from this study support that the proper combination of natural excipients is promising in DDS, taking advantage of the biocompatibility, low cost, and diversity of lipids.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats.

The present study investigated the action of copaiba oil (Copaifera reticulata) on the systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and liver cell metabolism of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. The later is an experimental autoimmune pathology that shares many features with the human rheumatoid arthritis. Holtzman rats were distributed into the following groups: control (healthy) rats; control rats treated with copaiba oil at the doses of 0.58 and 1.15 g · kg-1 , arthritic rats, and arthritic rats treated with copaiba oil (0.58 and 1.15 g · kg-1 ). The oil was administrated orally once a day during 18 days after arthritis induction. Both doses of copaiba oil improved the paw edema and the dose of 0.58 mg · kg-1 improved the swollen adrenals and lymph nodes besides decreasing the plasmatic myeloperoxidase activity (-30%) of arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg-1 ) abolished the increases of protein carbonyl groups and reactive oxygen species in the liver and both doses increased the liver GSH content and the catalase activity in arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg-1 ) decreased glycolysis (-65%), glycogenolysis (-58%), and gluconeogenesis (-30%) in the liver of arthritic animals. However, gluconeogenesis was also diminished by the treatment of control rats, which presented lower body weight gain (-45%) and diminished number of hepatocytes per liver area (-20%) associated to higher liver weight (+29%) and increased hepatocyte area (+13%). The results reveal that copaiba oil presented systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in arthritic rats. These beneficial effects, however, were counterbalanced by harmful modifications in the liver cell metabolism and morphology of healthy control rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3409-3423, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Copalic acid analogs down-regulate androgen receptor and inhibit small chaperone protein

Copalic acid, one of the diterpenoid acids in copaiba oil, inhibited the chaperone function of α-crystallin and heat shock protein 27kD (HSP27). It also showed potent activity in decreasing an HSP27 client protein, androgen receptor (AR), which makes it useful in prostate cancer treatment or prevention. To develop potent drug candidates to decrease the AR level in prostate cancer cells, more copalic acid analogs were synthesized. Using the level of AR as the readout, 15 of the copalic acid analogs were screened and two compounds were much more potent than copalic acid. The compounds also dose-dependently inhibited AR positive prostate cancer cell growth. Furthermore, they inhibited the chaperone activity of α-crystallin as well.

Effect of diterpenoid kaurenoic acid on genotoxicity and cell cycle progression in gastric cancer cell lines.

The goal of our study was to evaluate the effect of kaurenoic acid, obtained from copaiba oil resin, in gastric cancer (GC) and a normal mucosa of stomach (MNP01) cell lines. The compound was tested at concentrations of 2.5, 5, 10, 30 and 60μg/mL. Comet and micronucleus assays were used to access its potential genotoxicity in vitro. Moreover, we evaluated the effect of kaurenoic acid in cell cycle progression and in the transcription of genes involved in the control of the cell cycle: MYC, CCND1, BCL2, CASP3, ATM, CHK2 and TP53. Kaurenoic acid induced an increase on cell DNA damage or micronucleus frequencies on GC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The GC and MNP01 cell lines entering DNA synthesis and mitosis decreased significantly with kaurenoic acid treatment, and had an increased growth phase compared with non-treated cells. The treatment induced apoptosis (or necrosis) even at a concentration of 2.5μg/mL in relation to non-treated cells. GC cell lines presented reduced MYC, CCND1, BCL2 and CASP3 transcription while ATM, CHK2 and TP53 increased in transcription in relation to non-treated cells, especially at a concentration above 10μg/mL. The gene transcription in the MNP01 (non-treated non-cancer cell line) was designated as a calibrator for all the GC cell lines. In conclusion, our results showed that kaurenoic acid obtained from Copaifera induces DNA damage and increases the micronuclei frequency in a dose-dependent manner in GC cells, with a significant genotoxicity observed above the concentration of 5μg/mL. Moreover, this compound seems to be able to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in GC cells.

Experimental design approach applied to the development of chitosan coated poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanocapsules encapsulating copaiba oil

The aim of this work was to develop, characterize and optimize the natural copaiba oil-loaded chitosan decorated poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanocapsules. These innovatively obtained natural-based systems were developed by an original method of interfacial polymerization of isobutylcyanoacrylate using chitosan as a stabilizer for the nanocapsules. A preliminary study investigated the influence of the molecular weight of chitosan, the type of copaiba oil extract and the solvent phase. Nanocapsules could only be produced with copaiba resin oil, with size ranging from 300 to 1200nm. Nanocapsule size and zeta potential were then optimized by two-level three-variable full-factorial experimental design. Samples showed spherical objects when analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The copaiba oil encapsulated in the nanocapsules showed all compounds of the parent oil. Nanocapsules with positive zeta potential were obtained consistently with the expected distribution of chitosan on the nanocapsule surface. Optimal nanocapsules showed a diameter of 473nm, a zeta potential of +34mV and an encapsulation efficiency of the oil of 74% including 55.5μg of β- caryophyllene/mg of nanocapsules. The obtained nanocapsules can be suggested as oral delivery system for anticancer molecules including paclitaxel assuming a synergistic effect with anticancer active components of the oil.

Copaiba oil-loaded commercial wound dressings using supercritical CO2: A potential alternative topical antileishmanial treatment

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a tropical disease which main treatment indicated by World Health Organization (WHO) is parenteral pentavalent antimony application; however the widespread usage of this drug is limited due to its toxicity, low efficiency and cost, and also requires medical assistance for application. Topical treatment is proposed using wound dressings with controlled drug delivery against cutaneous leishmaniasis, since dressings can control the water and oxygen permeability necessary for wound healing. This way, commercial wound dressings based on biopolymers (Spongostan® and Promogran®), were loaded with copaiba oil using supercritical solvent impregnation (SSI/SSD) as an alternative topical antileishmanial treatment. SSI/SSD experimental runs were carried out at 45°C and for scCO2 densities of 701, 801 and 900kg/m3. Results show that process conditions affect the oil impregnation with improvement of from 1.4 up to 3.8 times. The biopolymers affinities with copaiba oil, the sorption of scCO2 in the biopolymers and copaiba oil solubility in scCO2 shown to be important factors for the studied systems. Spongostan® had improved its thermal stability, probably promoted by the copaiba oil plasticizing effect during the process. The main compound found in copaiba oil, β-caryophyllene, which presents leishmanicidal and anti-inflammatory activities, was successfully loaded using scCO2 in both wound dressings, and showed to be promising to further analysis on leishmaniasis wound.

Chitosan/gelatin/copaiba oil emulsion formulation and its potential on controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria

This work report the development of an emulsion formulation combining chitosan and copaiba oil. The antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effect of three different copaiba oils (CO-A, CO-B and CO-C), chitosan/gelatin gel (CG), and chitosan/gelatin/copaiba oil (CGCO) emulsions against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated. Susceptibility tests were performed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the micro-broth dilution technique. The cytotoxicity effect of compounds on Vero cell line was also evaluated using the MTT assay. CG inhibited S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa growth, showing MIC of 31.2, 62.5, and 31.2μgmL−1, respectively. Copaiba oils inhibited S. aureus with MIC of 2.0×103μgmL−1 for CO-A, 500μgmL−1 for CO-B, and 62.5μgmL−1 for CO-C. The results observed for CGCO-C emulsion against S. aureus suggest synergism. The CO-C and CG gel demonstrate bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity against S. aureus, respectively, whereas CGCO-C emulsion was bactericidal at a lower concentration and at short time interval than the individual compounds. CO-A and CO-B showed toxicity to Vero cells whereas, for CO-C, CG gel and all the emulsions, no cytotoxic effect was observed. The results of this study demonstrated that emulsions formulated by the combination of chitosan/gelatin/copaiba oils have potential as a new selective agent to control S. aureus.

Antibacterial Combination of Oleoresin from Copaifera multijuga Hayne and Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Towards Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus - GBS) remains a leading cause of neonatal infections and an important cause of invasive infections in adults with underlying conditions. This study evaluated for the first time the effect of an oleoresin collected from Copaifera multijuga Hayne (copaiba oil) alone or in combination with silver nanoparticles produced by green synthesis using Fusarium oxysporum (AgNPbio) against planktonic and sessile cells of GBS isolated from colonized women. Copaiba oil showed a dose-dependent bactericidal activity against planktonic GBS strains, including those resistant to erythromycin and/or clindamycin. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of GBS treated with copaiba oil revealed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, displaying disruption of the cell wall and decreased electron density due to leakage of cytoplasmic content. Copaiba oil also exhibited antibacterial activity against biofilms of GBS strains, inhibiting their formation as well as the viability of mature biofilms. In addition, the combination of copaiba oil with AgNPbio resulted in a synergistic effect against planktonic cells and biofilm formation, reducing the minimal inhibitory concentration values of both compounds. No hemolytic activity was detected for both compounds. These results indicate the potential of copaiba oil, alone or in combination with AgNPbio, for the development of new alternative strategies for controlling GBS infections.

Effect of Free and Nanoencapsulated Copaiba Oil on Monocrotaline-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Copaiba oil comes from an Amazonian tree and has been used as an alternative medicine in Brazil. However, it has not been investigated yet in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to test whether copaiba oil or nanocapsules containing this oil could modulate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Male Wistar rats (170 ± 20 g) received oil or nanocapsules containing this oil (400 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 1 week. At the end of this period, a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg i.p.) was administered and measurements were performed after 3 weeks. The animals were divided into 6 groups: control, copaiba oil, nanocapsules with copaiba oil, MCT, oil + MCT, and nanocapsules + MCT. Afterward, echocardiographic assessments were performed, and rats were killed to collect hearts for morphometry and oxidative stress. MCT promoted a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, and RV oxidative stress. Both oil and copaiba nanocapsules significantly reduced RV hypertrophy and oxidative stress. Pulmonary vascular resistance was reduced by copaiba oil in natura but not by nanocapsules. In conclusion, copaiba oil seems to offer protection against MCT-induced PAH. Our preliminary results suggest that copaiba oil may be an important adjuvant treatment for PAH.

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) membranes produced by solution blow spinning: Structure, thermal, spectroscopic, and microbial barrier properties

ABSTRACTSubmicrometric and nanometric poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PLA/PVP) fibrous membranes containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % PVP, with or without 20 wt % Copaiba oil (Copaifera sp.), were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS), using polymer injection rate of 120 μL min−1, gas pressure of 2.4 kPa, working distance of 20 cm, and collector rotation of 200 rpm. The morphological, thermal, and spectroscopic properties of these membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A method for the evaluation of membrane microbial barrier properties based on resazurin colorimetric method was proposed. Results showed that the addition of both PVP and Copaiba oil produced thicker fibers; otherwise, there was no effect on morphology. Thermal analyses (TG and DSC) indicated the immiscible nature of polymer blends produced, also confirmed by the spectroscopic studies. Antimicrobial barrier properties were related to the antimicrobial effect of Copaiba oil, combined with it hydrophobic nature. The hydrophilic nature of PVP favored degradation of fiber mats, impairing barrier property when higher concentrations of PVP were added. Results indicate that produced spun mats can potentially be used in applications such as wound dressing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44802.

Copaiba oil in experimental wound healing in horses

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 10% copaiba oil in experimentally induced wounds in horses. Four wounds were made in the lumbar and metacarpal regions of eight adult horses. In the treatment group, the wounds received 10% copaiba oil and in the control group 0.9% sodium chloride, in the daily dressing for 21 days. The wounds were evaluated three, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between the groups. The mean lumbar wound contraction rates were 80.54% and 69.64%, for the control and treated groups, respectively. For the wounds in the metacarpal region, these averages were 44.15% and 52.48%, respectively. Under the experimental conditions of the present study, it is concluded that 10% copaiba oil has beneficial in wound healing in the equine species and suggest that copaiba oil can be used as a therapeutic possibility in equine wound therapy.

Brazilian Amazon Traditional Medicine and the Treatment of Difficult to Heal Leishmaniasis Wounds with Copaifera.

The present study describes the use of the traditional species Copaifera for treating wounds, such as ulcers scarring and antileishmanial wounds. It also relates phytochemical studies, evaluation of the leishmanicidal activity, and toxicity. The species of Copaifera with a higher incidence in the Amazon region are Copaifera officinalis, Copaifera reticulata, Copaifera multijuga Hayne. The copaiba oil is used in the Amazon's traditional medicine, especially as anti-inflammatory ingredient, in ulcers healing, and in scarring and for leishmaniasis. Chemical studies have shown that these oils contain diterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The copaiba oil and terpenes isolated have antiparasitic activity, more promising in the amastigote form of L. amazonensis. This activity is probably related to changes in the cell membrane and mitochondria. The oil showed low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Furthermore, it may interfere with immune response to infection and also has a healing effect. In summary, the copaiba oil is promising as leishmanicidal agent.

Effect of copaiba oil associated with microneedling on the skin of rats: a comparative study

Effect of copaiba oil associated with microneedling on the skin of rats: a comparative study

Biological Activities and Cytotoxicity of Eperua oleifera Ducke Oil-resin.

Background:The oil-resin of Eperua oleifera Ducke has been used in popular medicine similarly to the copaiba oil (Copaifera spp.).Objective:This study aimed to investigate the effects of the acid fraction of E. oleifera oil-resin (AFEOR) on cell proliferation, collagen production in human fibroblasts, inhibition of metalloproteinases, and cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines.Materials and Methods:Acid fraction of E. oleifera was fractionated in the ion exchange column chromatography. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated by Alamar Blue® and Cometa assay. The inhibition of metalloproteinases was performed by zymography and Western blotting.Results:The predominant acidic diterpenes in the AFEOR were copalic and hardwickiic acids. AFEOR caused morphology alteration and decrease of proliferation at concentrations higher than 5 μg/mL. It also caused significant collagen proliferation in fibroblasts. It showed cytotoxicity against tumoral and nontumoral cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 13 to 50 μg/mL, and a hemolytic activity with an IC50 value of 38.29 μg/mL. AFEOR inhibited collagenase activity, with an IC50 value of 46.64 μg/mL, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in HaCaT cells or MMP-1 expression in MRC-5 cells. AFEOR induced genotoxicity in MRC-5 cells with a DNA damage index between 40% and 60% when compared to the negative controls (0%–20%).Conclusion:For the first time, biological activities from oil-resin E. oleifera demonstrated ratifying somehow its popular use.SUMMARY Analysis of crude oil-resin and fractionation of diterpenic fraction was performance using selective ion-exchange column chromatographyCytotoxicity analysis and morphology were performed with different cell linesCollagen production in human fibroblasts, inhibition of metalloproteinases were demonstrated by zymography and Western blotting. Abbreviations used: AFEOR: Eperua oleifera oil-resin.

English

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of copaiba oil, extracts of Passiflora cincinnata and substances commonly used against endodontic infections of bacterial strains certified by the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and against clinical isolates (CI). The methodology involved the preparation of crude extracts of the plants, the selection of copaiba oil and the standardization of samples. The antibacterial activity of these substances was tested against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC), Escherichia coli (CI) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC and CI). The MIC was determined by broth dilution and the nitroblue tetrazolium chloride dye reduction test. The data were statistically analyzed by the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test and by the Kruskal-Wallis test with a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of the antimicrobial activity showed that the ethanol extracts of P. cincinnata and the combination of calcium hydroxide with polyethylene glycol with and without camphorated monochlorophenol showed no antimicrobial activity. However, the copaiba oil and other substances evaluated showed some antimicrobial activity against the microorganisms used (p <0.01), exhibiting a MIC ranging from <0.3 to >400 µL/mL (p <0.05). Copaiba oil showed antimicrobial activity and could represent a potential phytotherapeutic agent to be used against microorganisms causing endodontic infections. Key words: Endodontics, Enterococcus faecalis, Passiflora cincinnata, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Biodegradable films of starch/PVOH/alginate in packaging systems for minimally processed lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

ABSTRACT Biodegradable packaging may replace non-biodegradable materials when the shelf life of the packaged product is relatively short, as in minimally processed foods. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of biodegradable films comprising starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)/alginate with the addition of 0 or 0.5% of essential oil of copaiba (EOCP) or lemongrass (EOLM) compared to poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) films in the storage of minimally processed lettuce. Lettuce samples cut into 1-cm strips were placed in polypropylene trays wrapped with biodegradable films and stored at 6 ± 2 °C for 8 days. PVC films were used as controls. The biofilms presented 11.43-8.11 MPa resistance and 11.3-13.22% elongation, with water vapor permeability (WVP) of 0.5-4.04 x 10-12 g. s-1.Pa-1.m-1; thus, the films' properties were considered suitable for the application. The lettuce stored in PVC presented minor total soluble solids (TSS), less luminosity (L), higher intensity of yellow color (b), and eight times less mass loss than that stored in biodegradable films. Multivariate analysis showed that the lettuce lost quality after 2 days of storage in PVC films, representing a different result from the other treatments. Lettuce stored in biodegradable films for 2 and 4 days showed a greater similarity with newly harvested lettuce (time zero). The films with or without the addition of essential oil showed similar characteristics. Biodegradable films were considered viable for the storage of minimally processed lettuce.

Match of Solubility Parameters Between Oil and Surfactants as a Rational Approach for the Formulation of Microemulsion with a High Dispersed Volume of Copaiba Oil and Low Surfactant Content.

Aim was to formulate oil-in-water (O/W) microemulsion with a high volume ratio of complex natural oil, i.e. copaiba oil and low surfactant content. The strategy of formulation was based on (i) the selection of surfactants based on predictive calculations of chemical compatibility between their hydrophobic moiety and oil components and (ii) matching the HLB of the surfactants with the required HLB of the oil. Solubility parameters of the hydrophobic moiety of the surfactants and of the main components found in the oil were calculated and compared. In turn, required HLB of oils were calculated. Selection of surfactants was achieved matching their solubility parameters with those of oil components. Blends of surfactants were prepared with HLB matching the required HLB of the oils. Oil:water mixtures (15:85 and 25:75) were the titrated with surfactant blends until a microemulsion was formed. Two surfactant blends were identified from the predictive calculation approach. Microemulsions containing up to 19.6% and 13.7% of selected surfactant blends were obtained. O/W microemulsions with a high volume fraction of complex natural oil and a reasonable surfactant concentration were formulated. These microemulsions can be proposed as delivery systems for the oral administration of poorly soluble drugs.

Preparação de novos filmes poliméricos contendo nanoemulsões do óleo de melaleuca, copaíba e limão para aplicação como biomaterial

The sodium alginate is a linear polymer used in industry and in medicine for many applications such as dressings for wounds, due to low toxicity and maintains a proper moist environment. The essential oils are materials that have antimicrobial activity and are active materials, which may be incorporated in polymeric films. This study has as objective the produce alginate films incorporated with nanoemulsions of melaleuca, copaiba and lemon oil and investigate water vapor permeability (WVP) analysis of the films, particle size and ζ-potential of nanoemulsions. Particle size analyzes showed formation of large and small particles nanoemulsion depending on the agitation speed used during production of nanoemulsions. Results of the WVP analyzes showed that the film with alginate 3 % w/v and nanoemulsions with little particle prepared with agitation speed of 15000 rpm showed better WVP. Produced films show good quality for a future application as dressings because it has good WVP. This is very interesting because the skin needs to breathe.