Bionanocomposite scaffolds produced by electrically assisted supersonic blow spinning and solution blow spinning

• Grant number: 24/09307-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Michael Jones da Silva
• Grantee: Michael Jones da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia e Ciências (FEC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rosana. Rosana , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Flávio Camargo Cabrera ; Guilherme Ferreira Caetano ; Renivaldo José dos Santos

Abstract

A biomaterial is defined as a substance or a mixture of substances (natural or artificial) that can be used to replace, repair, or treat biological systems, either partially or completely. As a class of biomaterials, natural polymers stand out due to their biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. The potential use of natural rubber (NR) extracted from Hevea brasiliensis for biomedical applications has been demonstrated due to its angiogenic properties, biocompatibility, high mechanical properties, and its origin from a renewable resource. In this context, bioactive glass ceramics (45S5-BG, 45S5-K (BL0), and biosilicate (BioS)) are notable for their bioactive and biocompatible properties, as well as their ability to form a layer of hydroxyapatite on their surface that can chemically bond to biological tissues. The aim of this research project is to develop a new biocomposite with high mechanical and electrical properties, significant biocompatibility, and notable bioactivity, based on natural rubber with BG particles (45S5-BG, BL0, or BioS) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). To obtain fibrous membranes, two methods will be employed: (i) solution blow spinning (SBS) and (ii) electrically-assisted supersonic solution blowing (EASBS). To assess the effects of incorporating BG and MWCNT particles on the final properties of fibrous specimens of three-phase bionanocomposites, physical and chemical analyses will be conducted using the following characterization techniques: thermal analysis (TGA, DMA, and DSC), mechanical tests, morphological analyses (SEM), and FTIR. Since MWCNTs act as a percolating three-dimensional network within the bionanocomposite, they can enhance the mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of the fibrous specimens. To evaluate the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the fibrous specimens of three-phase bionanocomposites, cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests will be conducted in vitro, both directly and indirectly. Lastly, this project is innovative in developing a new flexible fibrous bionanocomposite with excellent mechanical and thermal properties, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. This bionanocomposite will inherit the intrinsic properties of each material for biomedical applications, resulting from an effective method for mixing the three phases NR, MWCNT, and BG particles with high reproducibility (AU)