Interdisciplinar net for the development of biotechnological products from marine origin for use in human health: pathological complication of the osteoarticular system

• Grant number: 24/03709-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Journalism
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Lais Caroline Souza e Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Instituto De Saúde E Sociedade, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/10228-5 - Interdisciplinar net for the development of biotechnological products from marine origin for use in human health: pathological complication of the osteoarticular system, AP.TEM

Abstract

Nowadays, a significant increase in the incidence of degenerative diseases has been observed including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. In this context, it is necessary to develop treatments able of treating the symptoms related to these diseases. The marine biodiversity is an extremely rich environment for extracting bioactive compounds to be used as raw materials for manufacturing drugs, medicines and biomaterials. One of the most promising marine species is the sponge, with its composition and structure, with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer potential. Also, they have an organic and an inorganic component to be used as biomaterials. In order to investigate the potential of bioactive compounds of marine sponges, this proposal has the objective of characterizing and evaluating the biological effects of anti-inflammatory elements scaffolds composed by biosilica and biosilica and spongin extract from marine sponges using in vitro and in vivo studies. For the characterization tests, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and degradation and pH tests will be performed. Also, in vitro studies will be made to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of terpenes in macrophages and chondrocytes. The biological effects of terpenes will be evaluated using an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats. Moreover, biosilica and spongin scaffolds will be tested in vitro studies (osteoblasts) and in vivo (osteoporosis animal model). After the respective experimental times, the animals will undergo euthanasia and the samples will be processed for microtomography, histological, histomoformetric and biomechanical analyzes. Through these analyzes the biological interaction of the proposed treatments with the biological tissues will be evaluated. This proposal will enable the development of innovative, more effective and safe treatments to accelerate the process of tissue repair and treatment of joint degeneration and fracture consolidation, resulting in economic and social benefits for the Brazilian population, reducing costs related to treatment, hospitalizations and improving the quality of life of the affected individuals. Another great advantage is that the biomaterials that are being produced by our group are manufactured from domestic raw material and also with national technology, it is estimated that the final price of the products is much lower compared to the products already available in the market. This fact is one of the main motivations of our group, that is, to develop highly effective products with the lowest final price, which will allow access to these treatments for a greater number of people.