Thermosensitive nanocomposites for controlled drig transport and release

• Grant number: 22/10016-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Emerson Rodrigues de Camargo
• Grantee: Arthur Martins Gabriel
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials, AP.CEPID

Abstract

In recent years, research focused on the development of biomaterials has intensified, such as injectable hydrogels for use in non-invasive surgery and with potential use as a means of transport and controlled drug delivery. Among them, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) can form biocompatible hydrogels with chemical and mechanical properties suitable for use as implants. A promising alternative in the field of biomaterials is the preparation of nanocomposites that associate the properties of polymers with the mechanical strength of bioactive ceramics, such as silica nanoparticles. In this way, nanocomposites of thermosensitive polymers of PNVCL with different compositions of SiO2 nanoparticles of different sizes and concentrations will be prepared in this Project, seeking to obtain new biomaterials for the transport and controlled release of drugs. To evaluate the morphology, structure and thermal properties of hydrogels, nanoparticles and nanocomposites, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, dynamic light scattering, absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region, differential calorimetry of scanning (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA). Finally, by UV-vis spectrophotometry, the analysis of the critical lower temperature of solubilization (LCST) will be carried out from its thermodynamic parameters and the kinetic study of the release of dyes and antibiotics. (AU)