Technological aspects for the production of 3D granular structures with potential application in the dermis: from microgel formation to bioprinting

• Grant number: 24/09318-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
• Grantee: Fernanda Barroso Peixoto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Microgel-based bioinks offer a promising approach to improving the cellular microenvironment and emerge in the field of 3D bioprinting as a breakthrough technology in the context of regenerative medicine, offering potential breakthroughs in wound healing. Microgels can also be used to deliver drugs, improving drug release and solubility. Droplet microfluidics is a widely used method in microgel production due to its accuracy and reproducibility, although limitations in large-scale production spur the exploration of high-throughput devices. By printing structures that approximate the complexity of the extracellular matrix, 3D bioprinting with granular bioinks seeks to create an environment conducive to efficient wound healing. In this context, this project aims to develop granular bioinks-based hybrid microgels of methacrylate gelatin (GelMA) and methacrylic hyaluronic acid (HAMA) via the microfluidic system and the incorporation of growth factor for application in the dermis. At first, hybrid microgels will be produced via a high-performance microfluidic device in different proportions (GelMA:HAMA) and incorporation of growth factor. From the results of size characterization and coefficient of variation, MAP will be produced to evaluate the effect of microporosities on cell behavior. Then, the hybrid microgels produced that indicated better results to MAP will be used in the composition of granular bioinks associated with materials to improve rheological and mechanical properties. Finally, the adhesion, proliferation, and migration of fibroblasts in the bioprinted structures and the kinetics of growth factor release will be evaluated. Thus, contributing in the areas of biomaterials, microfluidics and tissue engineering.