Multifunctional Hydrogels for Intra-articular Injection and 3D Bioprinting of Scaffolds Applied in the Tissue Engineering of Hyaline Cartilage

• Grant number: 24/05735-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Angela Maria Moraes
• Grantee: Rodolpho Fagundes Correa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The elderly population faces significant healthcare challenges, particularly concerning degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). This chronic condition is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilaginous tissue, primarily affecting the knees, due to aging-related factors. Currently, available treatments for OA exhibit limited efficacy, representing a relevant research area. Given this scenario, tissue engineering emerges to develop efficient and personalized treatments using advanced biomaterials. Within this context, this research proposal aims to develop multifunctional hydrogels based on methylcellulose, combined with alginate, hyaluronic acid or gelatine, incorporating quercetin and curcumin as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, and mesenchymal stromal cells for chondrogenic differentiation and tissue regeneration. The multifunctionality of the hydrogels will be explored considering rheological and thermosensitive properties of differently designed formulations, aiming for intra-articular injection and bioprinting of cellularized and non-cellularized constructs. The hydrogels designed for injection will enable local administration, while the scaffolds produced by 3D printing will be designed to mimic the multilayers of hyaline cartilage, being intended for implantation. The hydrogels presenting the desired multifunctionality will be characterized in terms of their physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties. The achieved results may contribute to the development of more effective and personalized treatments for knee OA.