Estratégias tecnológicas para o ácido ferúlico: uma revisão sobre os impactos na caracterização química e atividade biológica

Abstract

Structural modifications of ferulic acid (FA) impact its efficacy and biological activity, enhancing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to its physicochemical limitations that hinder its therapeutic application, the need to review various conditions and methods for modifying the molecule's structure has become evident, aiming to boost its activity. It was observed that limitations such as low solubility and thermal stability were improved through the encapsulation of ferulic acid in chitosan nanoparticles (FA-CSNPs), a result also achieved by creating inclusion complexes with cyclodextrins. The encapsulation of ferulic acid in FACHA proved effective in pulmonary applications, demonstrating greater thermal stability and controlled release profiles, in addition to intensifying its anti-inflammatory properties. The metabolic activity in Candida albicans biofilms was also reduced using FA-CSNPs. Furthermore, improved antioxidant activity and water solubility were achieved through the chitosan-ferulic acid conjugate (CFC). Thus, structural modifications are concluded to be promising strategies to overcome the limitations of ferulic acid, expanding its applications in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in seeking strategies to use the substance in chronic inflammatory diseases.