IN VIVO EVALUATION OF THE REGENERATIVE POTENTIAL OF POROUS CHITOSAN-CALCIUM SCAFFOLDS WITH MICRO-CHANNELS

• Grant number: 24/07966-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal Investigator: Juliano Milanezi de Almeida
• Grantee: Clara Valério Chung
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araçatuba. Araçatuba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this project is to formulate porous chitosan (QT) scaffolds associated with mineral phases of Calcium Hydroxide (HC) or Calcium Carbonate (CC), using the bubbling-effect technique, with micro-channels of 700 µm in diameter. distributed orderly throughout their structures, and evaluate their physicochemical and biological characteristics in vivo. For this, 2% chitosan solutions and 1% (w/v) mineral solutions will be obtained, which will be homogenized in a 2:1 (volume) ratio under stirring at 5,000 rpm. The mixtures will then be processed via phase separation at low temperatures. For biomaterials with micro-channels, these will be obtained via indirect 3D printing, through the printing of a positive mold, where the solutions will be poured and processed, for subsequent removal of the scaffolds with the channels. The groups obtained will then be evaluated for morphology using SEM and Micro-CT, for the physical-chemical characteristics of degradation, swelling and calcium release, and finally for biological responses, through implantation in the subcutaneous tissue and in critical defects in the calvaria of rats after 30 days. Quantitative analyzes will be subjected to corresponding statistical tests, and qualitative analyzes will be carried out descriptively.