Development and characterization of essential oil nanocarriers associated with levodopa and benserazide
Parkinson's Disease, nanotechnology, patents, essential oils, nanoemulsions, nanoparticles.
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Its traditional treatment with levodopa faces significant challenges, such as a short half-life, low bioavailability, and side effects. The integration of nanotechnology and essential oils was recognized as an emerging and promising area, with the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional treatments and contribute to advancements in PD management. In this context, this dissertation investigated the potential of nanotechnology as an innovative therapeutic solution through three main approaches. In the first chapter, a scientific and technological monitoring of patents related to nanoemulsions (NEs) in the treatment of PD was conducted using databases such as Espacenet, Patent Scope, The Lens, and INPI. Documents from 2000 to 2024 were analyzed, with 38 patents selected. The United States led in patent filings, followed by China and Europe, with a peak in activity in 2021, highlighting the growth of nanotechnology as a therapeutic approach and demonstrating the importance of patent monitoring as a tool to identify trends and technological gaps. The second chapter detailed the production and characterization of chitosan Nes and nanoparticles containing copaiba oil and levodopa. The analysis revealed that samples produced with Span and Tween exhibited superior characteristics compared to those prepared with soy lecithin, including particles of suitable average size, low polydispersity indices, and zeta potential indicating good colloidal stability. Stability tests demonstrated robustness, maintaining physicochemical properties after thermal stress and centrifugation. This formulation combines the neuroprotective properties of levodopa with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of copaiba oil, offering a promising and sustainable therapeutic system. Overall, the results indicate the relevance of nanotechnology as an innovative strategy, highlighting opportunities for research, development, and clinical application.