Bacterial Nanocellulose, A Natural Non-Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient for Gel Design. Finding a Natural Mosquito Repellent, A Community Experience.

Abstract

Bacterial Nano Cellulose (BNC) is a primary metabolite synthesized inside Pseudomonas fluorecens bacterial cell. BNC has distinctive characteristics that introduces modifications in its biological and physicochemical properties. Its swelling capacity under special conditions make it an unique model for semi-solid topical pharmaceutical forms design. Cleaner production studies developed in our laboratory demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the concentration of synthetic excipients in gel formulas with the addition of small concentrations of BNC. This work shows our experience in the redesign of the base formula for semi-solid gels, its implementation on the manufacture of a natural mosquito repelent, and a joint experience with a rural school and its comunity in Amberes-Tucuman-Argentina. The primary health care center (CAPS- Comuna de Amberes) provided alarming data regarding the prevalence of dengue virus, which is endemic in the area due to its geographical location. To the natural active pharmaceutical ingredient selection, aromatic plants from the area that contain citronellol and/or limonene in high concentrations were surveyed. Cymbopogon citratus, was selected, due to its abundance in the Amberes área. Safety evaluation and persitence studies of the repellent action were carried out on 100 healthy volunteers from Amberes commune.