Printed bone scaffolds based on activated gelatin/chitosan hydrogels by incorporating annatto extract emulsion (Bixa orellana L.)

• Grant number: 24/10994-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Support Program for Fixating Young Doctors
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Bianca Chieregato Maniglia
• Grantee: Larissa Tessaro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/02072-3 - Printed bone scaffolds based on activated gelatin/chitosan hydrogels by incorporating annatto extract emulsion (Bixa orellana L.), AP.R

Abstract

Bone tissue can regenerate through cells such as osteoblasts. However, injuries caused by trauma, disease, tumors, and infections can severely impair bone structure and function, resulting in extensive damage and limiting the regeneration process. The use of extracellular matrices, such as bone scaffolds, has been extensively researched to stimulate osteogenesis. These scaffolds are three-dimensional and porous structures that provide favorable conditions for cell adhesion and proliferation. To improve the functionality and value of scaffolds, substances rich in active compounds with antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are incorporated. The main objective of this project is to perform 3D printing of osteoinductive bone scaffolds using gelatin/chitosan hydrogels activated by the incorporation of a W/O/W double emulsion or sodium alginate microspheres containing annatto extract (Bixa orellana L.). The extract is produced by conventional methods with hydroethanolic solvent or by natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), a green extraction method. Thus, the ideal formulations of annatto extract (EU), W/O/W double emulsion (DE) and sodium alginate microspheres (ME) encapsulating EU will be added to gelatin/chitosan hydrogels and used in 3D printing to create potential bone scaffolds. The combination of raw materials from natural sources, combined with innovative and sustainable technologies, provides a promising strategy for the development of new biomaterials intended for the regeneration of bone tissue, offering customization and active properties beneficial to human health.