Biomimetic spine fusion implants for back pain (BioFusion)

• Grant number: 22/14790-2
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Agreement: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
• Grantee: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
• Principal researcher abroad: Miguel Dias Castilho
• Institution abroad: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil
• Pesquisadores principais: Alberto Cliquet Junior
• Associated researchers: Alberto Carlos Botazzo Delbem ; Alexandre Zirpoli Simões ; Carlos Alberto Fortulan ; Doris Hissako Matsushita ; Flávia de Almeida Lucas ; Jorge Vicente Lopes da Silva ; Juliana Regina Peiró ; Juliano Pelim Pessan ; Luis Rogerio de Oliveira Hein ; Nilson Cristino da Cruz ; Paulo Sergio Patto dos Santos ; Pedro Yoshito Noritomi ; Thayse Yumi Hosida
• Associated research grant(s): 25/02908-7 - BIC - Biodegradable Metals for Interbody Cage: Biodegradation, Biocompatibility and Biomechanics, AP.R SPRINT; 24/11110-6 - Transforming eggshell waste into innovative plasma-treated biomaterials for enhanced wound healing rainbow, AP.R
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/05885-8 - Production and characterization of sustainable (eco-friendly) gallium-containing nanoparticles for incorporation into biodegradable implants, BP.IC; 25/17287-8 - Processing of cages for spinal fusion from immunomodulatory biomaterials using Extrusion-based 3D printing, BP.PD; 24/07141-3 - Extrusion-based 3D printing of ceramics scaffolds for spinal fusion, BP.DD; 24/04829-4 - Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial properties, and in vitro and in vivo studies of biofunctional calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Mg, Zn, and Sr) derived from eggshells, BP.DD

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, back-pain was among the top ten diseases causing the greatest burden in 2019. It is estimated that 30 to 40% of these cases are attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Currently, there are no satisfactory treatments for IVD degeneration, if analgesics and physical therapy fail to control the pain, the discs are removed and replaced with prostheses or the spinal segments are fused using metal/polymer cages. Although these surgical options are effective in relieving patients' pain, they are not always successful and the metal/polymer materials will remain as foreign materials in the body. The goal of this proposal will be an innovative solution for spinal fusion using a porous 3D printed bioresorbable ceramic-based cage (BioFusion) that is osteoinductive, can release agents to counteract local inflammation and can be tuned to optimize its strength, resorption and release properties for the patient. The newly created implant will be tested in vitro and in an in vivo animal model to get us closer towards translation to the human clinics. In this manner, we will demonstrate the proof-of-concept for new treatment of IVD degeneration and help to improve the quality of life for millions suffering from back-pain. (AU)