FeMn biodegradable scaffolds for bone regeneration manufactured by electrodeposition on 3D printed polymeric templates

• Grant number: 20/12440-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: February 01, 2022
• End date: February 17, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Isolda Costa
• Grantee: Aline D Avila Gabbardo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Biodegradable metallic scaffolds are interesting biomaterials for applications in temporary implants for bone regeneration because of their good mechanical properties. In addition, the need for a second surgery to remove the implant is reduced if biodegradable metals are used. Fe has adequate mechanical properties for scaffolds manufacture and suitable biocompatibility. However, Fe shows slow biodegradation rates (or corrosion in biological media) for the application and, therefore, different approaches have been developed such as the incorporation of cathodic (or anodic) sites to the material, the development of alloys, or even by reducing the thickness of the Fe strut in the scaffold. FeMn alloys are considered ideal materials, as they are not ferromagnetic. In addition, additive manufacturing technologies (3D printing) are considered appropriate to manufacture these scaffolds due to the ability to obtain complicated geometries and customized parts for a specific bone injury site. Electrodeposition is also an interesting technique because it allows the deposition of thinner strut walls of Fe (or alloys) with high purity, in addition to providing a good surface finishing. The aim of this project is to manufacture FeMn scaffolds by electrodeposition on 3D printed polymeric templates and to evaluate their biodegradability and biocompatibility. In addition, this project aims to develop a cathode-anode system (FeMn alloy + cathode or anode) to control the biodegradation rate of the scaffolds through galvanic interactions. The 3D printing of the polymeric templates will be performed at CTI Renato Archer and the in vivo biocompatibility studies at UNESP - Araçatuba. The FeMn scaffolds will be manufactured and characterized by in vitro tests with the infrastructure available at IPEN and by a research internship abroad. (AU)