Self-assembled peptide-based hydrogels associated with terpenes for ostearthritis treatment

• Grant number: 23/14624-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Homero Garcia Motta
• Supervisor: Beatriu Escuder
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Universitat Jaume I, Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/04816-4 - Hyaluronic acid enriched with sea sponge anti-inflammatory compounds as a therapeutic intervention for osteoarthritis: evaluation in in vitro experimental models, BP.MS

Abstract

In a global context, osteoarthritis (OA) stands out as the most widespread joint disease, incurring significant social and economic costs. In this regard, intraarticular administration of supramolecular hydrogels enriched with anti-inflammatory agents emerges as a promising and safe approach for OA treatment. This strategy offers the advantage of providing targeted release of bioactive compounds, minimizing side effects. The present study aims to develop a self-assembled peptide-based hydrogel enriched with anti-inflammatory terpenes as a potential therapeutic intervention for OA. Three peptides and five terpenes will be tested pairwise to determine the best combination for hydrogel manufacturing. Once selected, the optimization of concentrations will be carried out, followed by the conduct of characterization tests. The hydrogel characterization will include the gelation time determination, evaluation of the gel-to-solution transition temperature, oscillatory rheology analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies, transmission electron microscopy, and drug release analysis. In addition, cell viability experiments will be conducted to examine the hydrogel's biocompatibility in fibroblast and chondrocyte cultured cells. With this project, it is expected the development of a peptide-based hydrogel that can be administered intraarticularly, featuring in situ gelation, easy administration, and biocompatibility. By integrating different methods, we aspire to establish the groundwork for future treatment approaches aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with OA.