Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial properties, and in vitro and in vivo studies of biofunctional calcium phosphate nanoparticles (Mg, Zn, and Sr) derived from eggshells

• Grant number: 24/04829-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Acordo de Cooperação: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Rosifini Alves
• Grantee: Jasmine Keise de Oliveira Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEG). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Guaratinguetá. Guaratinguetá , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14790-2 - Biomimetic spine fusion implants for back pain (BioFusion), AP.TEM

Abstract

Nutrient elements, such as strontium, magnesium, and zinc, play a crucial role in bone metabolism. Studies have confirmed that among these nutrients, strontium (Sr) has the potential to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, osteoprogenitor cells, and mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). On the other hand,zinc not only affects bone metabolism but also possesses antibacterial properties that inhibit the activity of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.Finally, magnesium is also important for bone reconstruction, and its deficiency can lead to the cessation of bone growth and diseases such as osteoporosis. This is due to an increase in osteoclast activity and a decrease in osteoblast activity.Previous studies conducted by our group have demonstrated that metals can be utilized to achieve antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, thereby inducing a specific response in the surrounding environment. They can be used on surfaces or within materials, either as free ions or nanoparticles.The CaP nanoparticles are extensively deployed in biomedical applications due to their superior biocompatibility, osseointegration ability, and osteoconductive. The most recurrently utilized types of CaP are HA nanoparticles and ²-TCP nanoparticles. CaP nanoparticles can be deployed as drug delivery to transport therapeutic agents into cells due to their high adsorptive capacity, excellent biocompatibility, and high biodegradability.The proposal aims to obtain nanoparticles that contain three elements, Mg, Zn, and Sr, and combine their properties in a way that allows for the simultaneous release of the nanoparticles and degradation of the scaffold. (AU)