New strategies for the prevention and treatment of complications associated with diabetes mellitus

Resumo

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of the 21st century with serious complications worsening its progression. This doctoral thesis is divided into four chapters focused on improving the treatment of complications associated with diabetes mellitus. In the first chapter, the subcutaneous administration of biopharmaceuticals is adressed as an effective and patientpreferred alternative to intravenous infusions. In the second chapter, supercritical foaming technology was utilised to manufacture PLGA implants loaded with dexamethasone and bevacizumab. The third chapter develops a drug delivery system to enhance the penetration of antifungal drugs into nails with onychomycosis. The fourth chapter develops an inert coating for in vitro testing with 3D printed devices.