3D hydrogel with tunable rheological properties for in vitro cancer studies

• Grant number: 22/08442-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: February 28, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Denise Freitas Siqueira Petri
• Grantee: Alex Carvalho Alavarse
• Supervisor: Amin Shavandi
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/01907-3 - Determination of mechanical properties of polysaccharide-based magnetic scaffolds, BP.PD

Abstract

Scaffolds provide a suitable environment for in vitro cell tests due to similarities with the biological environment such as biocompatibility, porosity, and hydrophilicity. Scaffolds that release anticancer drugs are of particular interest in the development of cancer therapy. This project aims to the development of hybrid 3D matrices based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sodium alginate (SA), magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and 5-Fluoracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug. In order to achieve the best 3D printing conditions, the rheology of the PVA/SA/MNP systems at different contents will be systematically investigated. After optimizing the processing conditions, the drug will be incorporated into the system. The Biomater group coordinated by Prof. Dr. Amin Shavandi, at the Université Livre de Bruxelles (Belgium) has the expertise and facilities to achieve the proposed goals. The in vitro drug release from the 3D printed systems in the absence and the presence of an external magnetic field and cells will be further investigated, when the candidate returns to Brazil. The four-month internship will be an excellent opportunity for (i) the candidate to learn about rheology and its relevance to the 3D printing process, and (ii) to strengthen the collaboration between Shavandi's and Petri's research groups, which has the support of FAPESP-FRNS SPRINT 2019/22671-0. (AU)