Cytocompatibility of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (b-TCP) scaffold for use in bone regeneration medicine

• Grant number: 24/07779-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: André Capaldo Amaral
• Grantee: Livia da Silva Steinberg
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The critical bone defects (CBD) are tissue damage that exceeds the bone's regenerative capacity, leading to disabling structural and functional consequences for the musculoskeletal system. Conventional treatment techniques for CBD have limitations, mainly related to the reduced amount of autologous bone tissue available for grafting. Faced with this challenge, regenerative medicine (RM) is seeking alternative solutions for CBD with the use of biological supports which, associated with osteoinductive substances and cells, should stimulate the intrinsic regenerative potential in a safe and effective way. The aim of this research is to carry out the physicochemical, morphological and topographical characterization of a biopolymeric support made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid - PLGA) and Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (²-TCP) and to establish its in vitro cytocompatibility profile. To that end, PLGA/²-TCP supports will be designed and manufactured using the same inputs and manufacturing process as commercially available products. Characterization analyses will be carried out using X- ray diffraction (XDR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confocal microscopy (CM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cytocompatibility analysis will be carried out with the MG63 osteogenic strain using metabolic characterization and SEM techniques. It is hoped that results found will contribute to the foundation, consolidation and improvement of its performance as a support strategy for application in bone regenerative medicine. The critical bone defects are tissue damage that exceeds the bone's regenerative capacity, causing structural and functional consequences for the musculoskeletal system. The conventional treatment techniques have limitations in the sense that the amount of tissue available for grafting is reduced, the high incidence of inflammation and rejection. In this way, regenerative medicine seeks to solve the problem of critical bone defects with the use of synthetic and/or biological material which,associated with cell and signaling substances, will establish bone regeneration in a safe and effective manner. The aim of this research is to carry out the physicochemical, morphological and topographical characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid - PLGA) and Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (²-TCP) scaffold and to establish its cytocompatibility profile in order to support its possible introduction as a scaffold strategy for application in bone regenerative medicine. To that end, a two-dimensional PLGA and ²-TCP scaffold will be produced using a multifilament 3D printer and MG63, an osteosarcoma cell line, will be injected into these products. It is hoped that the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid - PLGA) and Beta Tricalcium Phosphate (²-TCP) scaffold, considering its physicochemical, morphological and topographical characteristics, as well all the production methodology, will be a favorable environment for cell continuity.