The Guarda Polytechnic Institute (IPG) is developing a project that aims to create a gel with microalgae particles to treat drug poisoning.
A team of IPG researchers will use microalgae to inhibit the absorption of drugs in the intestine in cases of intoxication.
We are going to use microalgae, which have obvious health benefits, to treat drug poisoning”, says Paula Coutinho, IPG professor and project coordinator.
According to those responsible, the gel “it is more sustainable and has fewer adverse effects” compared to conventional therapies used in drug overdose.
The idea is to incorporate microparticles with microalgae biomass in a gel formulation, to be administered orally, to facilitate transport throughout the gastrointestinal system”, emphasizes Paula Coutinho.
The MiADrugTox project was approved by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), which granted a financing of about 50 thousand euros.
It will be developed by a team from the Center for the Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources (CPIRN) that will study and optimize the biomass ratio of microalgae to obtain efficient drug absorption.
According to data from the National Institute of Medical Emergencies (INEM), in 2020 there were more than 27 thousand intoxications in Portugal, of which some 15,000 were caused by drugs.
The data shows that drug intoxication is a serious problem and a great challenge for medical care. Our solution is innovative, sustainable, economical. and, above all, with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional therapies: gastric lavage, activated charcoal or flumazenil”, concludes Paula Coutinho.
The IPG will partner with companies in the pharmaceutical industry to validate the efficacy of this product in medical applications.
Source: Observadora
