Exploring the Biocompatibility of Novel Titanium-Based Alloys: Modulation of Signaling Pathways and Epigenetic Regulation

• Grant number: 24/00837-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Roberto Grandini
• Grantee: Mariana Rocha Corrêa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/08709-6 - Functionalized Ti alloys for biomedical applications: Osteogenic differentiation and antimicrobial activity, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic and dental implants due to their remarkable biocompatibility, high corrosion resistance, and excellent strength-to-density ratio compared to other alloys frequently used in the biomedical field. Among globally and in Brazil employed titanium alloys for orthopedic implants, Ti6-Al-4V is the most prevalent; however, this alloy contains elements considered cytotoxic, such as vanadium, which can induce allergic reactions in human tissues, and aluminum, associated with long-term neurological disorders. Therefore, searching for new alloys free of these elements represents a promising research direction, focusing on alloys containing niobium, zirconium, molybdenum, manganese, and tantalum, considering these elements as ²-stabilizers. Moreover, it is crucial that such new materials promote or at least do not interfere with cell growth and expansion. Tests can be conducted through cell culture systems, allowing a detailed analysis of cellular events and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and focusing on understanding the influence of epigenetic factors. In this context, the present project primarily focuses on the in vitro cytotoxicity study, molecular evaluation of signaling pathways, investigation of cell-alloy contact-modulated targets, and antimicrobial effects in titanium-based alloy samples, aiming at biomedical applications.