Manufacturing three-dimensional cell scaffolds by two-photon polymerization: strategies for the development of new therapies

• Grant number: 19/25164-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Agreement: CONFAP - National Council of State Research Support Foundations
• Principal Investigator: Cleber Renato Mendonça
• Grantee: Cleber Renato Mendonça
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Direct laser writing techniques, in particular two-photon absorption polymerization (TPP), have opened up a wide range of research opportunities and applications in tissue engineering, microfluidics, three-dimensional cell culture, etc. With the advent and popularization of ultrashort pulse lasers (fs lasers) and, consequently, the nonlinear effects that can be induced, TPP has become an important tool for the fabrication of complex micrometric structures, with sub-micrometer resolutions. In this project we propose the use of this unique tool for the fabrication of 3D scaffolds with different geometries, roughness and porosities, in order to study the cellular behavior and its interactions with the microstructure, aiming at the development and evaluation of therapeutic targets and pharmacological tests aiming at, for example, the treatment of Abnormally Invasive Placenta (AIP), a condition that has high maternal mortality rates. Throughout the development of this project, the two teams should work synergistically, taking advantage of their complementary experiences with TPP microfabrication, seeking for the manufacture of bio-compatible, functionalized structures of appropriate dimensions, whose fabrication time is as small as possible. While the Photonics Group (IFSC/USP - São Carlos) has experience in the functionalization of polymeric resins and hybrid materials, as well as making microenvironments for the development of cells and bacteria, the Maceió (AL) group has a modern apparatus of microfabrication, capable of producing structures with high quality and speed, in addition to having the collaboration of the Institute of Biological Sciences and Health of UFAL to carry out the biological experiments proposed in this project. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DOS SANTOS, LAURA M. S.; DE OLIVEIRA, JONATHAS M.; DA SILVA, ELAINE C. O.; FONSECA, VITOR M. L.; SILVA, JULIANE P.; BARRETO, EMILIANO; DANTAS, NOELIO OLIVEIRA; SILVA, ANIELLE C. A.; JESUS-SILVA, ALCENISIO J.; MENDONCA, CLEBER R.; et al. Mechanical and morphological responses of osteoblast-like cells to two-photon polymerized microgrooved surfaces. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, v. 111, n. 2, p. 11-pg., 2022-10-14. (19/25164-2, 18/11283-7)