Cytotoxicity evaluation in cancer cells and bactericidal activity of nanoencapsulated extracts from <em>Myracrodruon urundeuva</em>

Plant-derived products have been present in human pharmacopeia for thousands of years, several botanical-based products are unstable and low aqueous solubility compromising their efficiency. The strategy of applying nanotechnology to botanical extracts may potentiate their biological action, promote the sustained release, reduction of required dose and side effects. This study aimed to prepare and evaluate biopolymeric nanoparticles loaded with Myracrodruon urundeuva extracts. We performed bioassays using different concentrations to nanoencapsulated extracts against pathogenic bacterial strains and cytotoxicity studies in vitro. Nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial biopolymer deposition/solvent displacement. Colloidal suspensions were dried by Spray-Drying. Nanoparticle-based materials were stable and homogeneous. Biological activities ranged according to the kind of prepared nanoparticles, bacterial strains, and dose. The evaluated bacterial strains were: E. coli, S. aureus, and S. mutans. The cytotoxicity assays showed better results in concentration of 300 µg. mL-1. All nanoparticles were three more times toxic to cancer cells than non-encapsulated extract.