Development of magnetic bioactive glass nanoparticles containing gallium as a promising approach for the treatment of osteosarcoma

• Grant number: 24/07553-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: João Henrique Lopes
• Grantee: Bianca Marçal Pagan
• Host Institution: Divisão de Ciências Fundamentais (IEF). Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Ministério da Defesa (Brasil). São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The fight against osteosarcoma presents a series of considerable challenges, consolidating it as one of the most frequent oncological manifestations, especially among the pediatric and adolescent segment. The incidence of this disease is high, with around a quarter of patients receiving the diagnosis already in the metastatic phase. Additionally, the complications inherent to the treatment transcend the scarcity of truly effective therapeutic alternatives. Faced with this challenging clinical scenario, it is imperative to develop innovative and effective treatment strategies, aiming at the repair and regeneration of affected bone tissues. Among the options currently being researched, tissue engineering is the most promising for bone recovery and regeneration in cases of osteosarcoma. In this sense, we propose the development and characterization of magnetic mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (NpMBGs) by optimizing the sol-gel synthesis route, aiming for a synergistic approach. This approach combines the unique properties of bioactive glasses in bone regeneration and the selective action of gallium ions against tumor cells. On the other hand, the mesoporosity of NpMBGs provides a large surface area and controlled porosity, allowing the incorporation and controlled release of drugs and biomolecules. In bone tissue engineering, NpMBGs present a promising approach for the delivery of anticancer drugs, while the controlled delivery of biologically important ionic species, such as gallium, has been associated with the selective promotion of important biochemical stimuli in tissue regeneration and repair. injured. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of NpMBGs will allow directing and controlling the behavior of these materials through external magnetic fields through magnetic hyperthermia therapy. In this approach, nanoparticles can be heated through exposure to an alternating magnetic field, which can be used to destroy cancerous or bacterial cells. This minimally invasive therapeutic strategy presents itself as a promising alternative to traditional therapeutic methods for cancer and infections, having the potential to mitigate adverse effects and amplify the effectiveness of the treatment. The execution of the research project will allow an expansion of knowledge about the synthesis of magnetic glass compositions doped with gallium with size and morphology controlled via the sol-gel method.