Development of thermosensitive nanocomposite hydrogels for the pro-osteogenic differentiation of stem cells using naringin

• Grant number: 21/10844-8
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal researcher: Emerson Rodrigues de Camargo
• Grantee: Lucas da Silva Ribeiro
• Supervisor abroad: Joao Filipe Colardelle da Luz Mano
• Home Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universidade de Aveiro (UA), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 18/12871-0 - Modification of the temperature transition profile of thermosensitive nanocomposites, BP.DD

Abstract

Bone diseases, such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, have become relevant to public health due to the growing number of cases. A possible treatment is the use of the flavonoid naringin, which has pro-osteogenic properties. However, this drug is rapidly metabolized by the body, which reduces its clinical performance. As a solution, they can be applied to the body through controlled release systems. In this context, formulations based on the thermosensitive polymer poly (N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL), which is soluble at room temperature, but at physiological temperature, becomes a hydrogel. Thus, in this research project, nanocomposites will be prepared by in situ polymerization of the PNVCL in the presence of mesoporous nanospheres of silica , in order to obtain biocompatible hydrogels that are able to act in the treatment of bone diseases. The nanospheres will act in this system as a second control mechanism of release. After previous investigation of the structural, morphological and thermal properties of nanocomposites in Brazil, the in vitro evaluation of the biocompatibility and biodegradability of these materials, in addition to their ability to release naringin in a controlled manner for the pro-osteogenic differentiation of cells, will be carried out at University of Aveiro.