Production via 3D printing and characterization of bioactive bone scaffolds based on starches modified by green technologies and added strontium ions

• Grant number: 23/03995-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: May 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Bianca Chieregato Maniglia
• Grantee: Renan Nascimento Araújo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/08727-0 - Starch modification by green methods for elaboration via 3D printing of bone scaffolds activated by the presence of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles replaced by Sr2+, AP.JP

Abstract

Starch has been presented as a candidate for the manufacture of biomaterials and its use as a material for 3D printing has already been reported. However, native starches present processing difficulties, high swelling, highly hydrophilic character, low mechanical strength and instability for long-term application. In order to overcome these obstacles, starch modification methods have been useful to improve its functionality. The elaboration via 3D printing of bone scaffolds by this modified natural polymer is innovative and should unite its already known biocompatibility and mechanical properties with the bioactivity of biominerals. Thus, the purpose of this project is to modify starches by methods considered green (dry and wet heating) and evaluate their application in the preparation of bone scaffolds. Formulations based on starch gels modified with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles replaced by Sr2+ will be evaluated, since the presence of this biomaterial has been associated with the regulation of bone formation and resorption processes. The proposed production of bone scaffolds will be via 3D printing by extrusion in order to obtain customized materials, which is an interesting and differential characteristic for use as a biomaterial. This project will also evaluate processing and post-processing parameters in the formation of pores, an important feature for bone functionality. The mechanical properties of the scaffolds will be evaluated together with their surface and bioactive properties. Finally, this proposal seeks to unite aspects such as differentiated formulations and innovative processing (3D printing) to obtain bone scaffolds. (AU)