Nano-in-nano containing curcumin and benzydamine hydrochloride for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: from development to biological application in vitro and in vivo

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents a public health challenge due to its reports of high incidence and recurrences. These are caused by host-related factors like compromised immune system, or pathogen-related factors, such as resistance to antifungal agents, making this medical problem desirable to develop new therapeutic options. This thesis sought to develop a formulation for the treatment of VVC caused by a resistant strain, combining products of natural origin and nanotechnology. Products of natural origin are increasingly being studied for antimicrobial applications because, as they are considered new, there are no reports of strains resistant to them and, in general, they have fewer side effects. However, most of them have limitations, such as insolubility in aqueous solutions and instability, which makes their application in therapy difficult. The association of this type of drug with nanotechnology, particularly with nanoparticles, has potential to circumvent these limitations. To reach a formulation considered ideal in the pre-clinical stages of drug development, it is necessary to conduct a battery of tests from preparation, characterization, to in vitro and in vivo evaluation. This thesis sought to contribute to the scientific community both for the development of a drug-carrier system and also with several literature reviews in order to compile knowledge about the topics covered herein.