Development of ceramic scaffolds for application in tissue engineering

• Grant number: 24/06681-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Eliria Maria de Jesus Agnolon Pallone
• Grantee: Kaline do Nascimento Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10604-0 - Development of ceramics scaffolds for application in tissue engineering, AP.TEM

Abstract

Porous bioceramics called scaffolds have been studied for bone replacement and repair, with properties that meet the functionality and integration between the biomaterial and the biological system. Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2 bioceramics are recognized as biomaterials due to their improved mechanical properties, high chemical stability, and biocompatibility compared to other materials. However, due to the bioinert nature of Al2O3 and ZrO2, surface coatings are used to improve the interaction of this biomaterial with the host tissue when implanted, as well as to release ions that stimulate cellular responses at the molecular level through mechanisms not yet fully understood. In this sense, the main objective of this project is to obtain Al2O3 scaffolds and Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites that may present physicochemical and morphological characteristics that, when implanted in bone lesions or defect regions, stimulate osteogenesis and lead to the formation of structures similar to elements of the extracellular matrix, facilitating implantation, expansion, and integration of bone tissue. To achieve the main objective, this project was divided into three subprojects. Subproject 1 aims to obtain Al2O3 scaffolds and Al2O3 containing 5% by volume of nanometric zirconia inclusions (Al2O3/ZrO2) obtained by gelcasting and 3D printing techniques, coated with calcium phosphates enriched with Sr2+ ions and gentamicin. Subproject 2 aims to coat Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2 scaffolds with polymeric films carrying bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). Subproject 3 aims to incorporate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the scaffolds obtained from subprojects 01 and 02, and perform functional in vitro and in vivo analysis. Therefore, it is expected to obtain biocompatible, bioactive, and biofunctional Al2O3 scaffolds and Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, with potential use in tissue engineering and bone regeneration therapies in veterinary and human medicine, enabling faster treatment of injured regions.