Sodium Diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) taken to reduce inflammation and, as an analgesic, reduce pain. Although this drug is widely used in the general population, properties such as the short half-time and some side effects restrict its clinical use. The most common side effects are: gastric irritation, gastritis, peptic ulcer and bleeding. Studies involving biomaterials as carrier for drug release have been proving their efficiency in overcoming those problems and better controling the release rate and targeting of the drug. Natural rubber latex (NRL) has been proven excellent for its biocompatibility and ability to stimulate angiogenesis, cellular adhesion and the formation of extracellular matrix, promoting the replacement and regeneration of tissue. In this work, a NRL membrane is used to deliver sodium diclofenac. Sodium diclofenac (NaDic) was found to be adsorbed on the NRL membrane, with little or no incorporation into the membrane bulk, according to energy dispersive Scanning Electron Microscopy with X-Ray microanalysis (SEM-EDS) spectroscopy. In addition, FT-IR shows that there is no molecular-level interaction between drug and NRL. Already, the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) of NaDic-NRL shows a broader one spectrum than the sharper halo (amorphous characteristic XRD spectrum) of pure NRL. More importantly, the release time of diclofenac in a NRL membrane in vitro was increased from the typical 2-3 h for oral tablets to ca. 74 h. The kinetics of the drug release could be fitted with a double exponential function, with two characteristic times of 0.899 and 32.102 h. In this study, we demonstrated that the interesting properties provided by NRL membranes combined with a controlled release of drug is relevant for biomedical applications.

The demand for biomaterials with properties that provide sustained release of substances with pharmacological interest is constant. One candidate for applications in this area is the Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) extracted from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. Recent studies indicate the NRL as a matrix for sustained release, showing promising results for biomedical applications such as: can stimulate natural angiogenesis and is capable of adhering cells on its surface, promoting the replacement and regeneration of tissue. So, the NRL is an excellent candidate to propitiate the sustained release of peptides of pharmacological interest such as oxytocin, a hormonal peptide which has the function to promote uterine muscle contractions and reduce bleeding during childbirth, and stimulate the release of breast milk. Results demonstrated that 90 lg mL-1 (45 %) of the incorporated peptide in Natural Rubber Latex Biomedical (NRLb) functionalized membranes was released at 10 h in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. Swelling kinetics assay showed that the NRLb membranes are able to absorb over a period of 16 h up to 1.08 grams of water per grams of membrane. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the peptide was adsorbed on the surface and within NRLb membrane. Fourier transform infrared and Derivative Thermo-gravimetric analysis indicated that oxytocin did not interacted chemically with the membrane. Furthermore, hemolysis of erythrocytes, quantified spectrophotometrically using materials (Oxytocin, NRLb, and NRLb ? Oxytocin) showed no hemolytic effects up to 100 lg mL-1 (compounds and mixtures), indicating no detectable disturbance of the red blood cell membranes. Based on these results it was possible to conclude that the NRLb has shown effectiveness as a model in the release of peptides with pharmacological interest.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis is a colloidal system composed of cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Its applications have grown due its angiogenic and wound healing activity. NRL has been used in guided bone regeneration as barrier, enhancing bone formation. However, there has been no study reported so far which shows its in vitro biocompatibility with osteoblasts. Thus, the aim of this work was to apply thermally induced phase separation under several temperatures to induce porosity in NRL; and test its mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, and mineralization with MC3T3-E1. Only biomembranes submitted at 220 and 210 8C presented porosity. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed no change in cis-1,4-isoprene spectra. Biomembranes were elastic (Young's modulus < 1 MPa). According to ISO10993-5, NRL showed no cytotoxicity. Cells adhered on the NRL and produced mineral matrix as analyzed by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry, von kossa, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Cells on NRL presented higher alkaline phosphatase activity, however, mineralization showed no difference by alizarin red S dye extraction.

Natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis is easily manipulated, low cost, is of can stimulate natural angiogenesis and cellular adhesion, is a biocompatible, material and presents high mechanical resistance. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a synthetic antibiotic (fluoroquinolone) used in the treatment of infection at external fixation screws sites and remote infections, and this use is increasingly frequent in medical practice. The aim of this study was to develop a novel sustained delivery system for CIP based on NRL membranes and to study its delivery system behavior. CIP was found to be adsorbed on the NRL membrane, according to results of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results show that the membrane can release CIP for up to 59.08% in 312 hours and the mechanism is due to super case II (non-Fickian). The kinetics of the drug release could be fitted with double exponential function X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy shows some interaction by hydrogen bound, which influences its mechanical behavior.