Development of nerve guide conduits based on chitosan and bioactive glass for application in peripheral nerve regeneration

• Grant number: 24/11219-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Juliana Marchi
• Grantee: Juliana Marchi
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carlos Alberto da Silva ; Francesco Baino ; Jonathan Massera ; Marcela Bermúdez Echeverry ; Maria Isabel Veras Orselli ; Monica Beatriz Mathor ; Roger Borges ; Silvia Honda Takada

Abstract

When not properly treated, peripheral nerve injuries result in loss of functionality, movement, and quality of life for patients. Currently, the gold standard for treating these injuries is the use of autologous nerve grafts, aiming for tissue compatibility. However, this method presents disadvantages, such as donor tissue morbidity and a functional recovery rate of only 50%. Therefore, the development of scaffolds based on tissue engineering concepts is presented as an alternative to overcome the limitations presented by grafting techniques. This project proposes the development of chitosan-based conduits with the incorporation of bioactive glasses (BG) produced by 3D printing to assist and increase the success rate of peripheral nerve regeneration. Among the biomaterials used in nerve repair, chitosan stands out as it can provide structural support to regenerating nerves, allowing the adhesion and development of important cells in this process. Its performance can be further optimized through its combination with other materials. The bioactive glass is able to release ions that can aid in the nerve repair process. Furthermore, when introduced into the chitosan matrix, it can optimize the rheological properties of the hydrogels produced, expanding the processing of these materials through the use of unconventional techniques. The processing of nerve guide conduits using 3D printing by extrusion is a distinguishing feature that allows the production of complex and patient-specific structures, providing alternatives in the context of Industry 4.0 medicine. In this sense, the project envisages i) the development of chitosan hydrogels with different concentrations of BG for 3D printing of conduits; ii) optimization of the 3D printing process through variations in process parameters; iii) physical and chemical characterization of conduits to verify the compatibility between the material properties and nervous tissue; iv) in vitro and in vivo biological assays to assess the biocompatibility, regeneration rate, and functionality of conduits in nerve regeneration. It is expected that at the end of the project, the development of a conduit with an optimized structure and improved physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties will be achieved, serving as an alternative to commercially available materials in the national market for peripheral nerve repair. (AU)