Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles for Controlled Delivery of Strontium-Flavonoid Complexes with Potential Use in Bone Therapies

• Grant number: 24/14617-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Paula Ramos
• Grantee: Elias Guilherme Basilio Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bone tissue is dynamic due to its self-regeneration capability throughout life,involving various types of cells in its renewal and maintenance of integrity. Insummary, among the main cell types, osteoblasts have the function of synthesizing theorganic matrix, while osteoclasts are responsible for the resorption of the tissuesmineral part. Many bone defects result from an imbalance between osteoblasts andosteoclasts, caused by various factors such as pathologies, infections, and hormonaldysfunctions. Efforts have been made to find new drugs capable of assisting bone tissuein recovering its dynamics. Studies on the use of flavonoids and their derivedcomplexes are noteworthy, exploring various potentials for biomedical applications.Flavonoids are a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures, foundnaturally in plants and vegetables. These molecules can form complexes with differentdivalent cations, including strontium Sr 2+ . This ion has been used in the form ofstrontium ranelate in bone therapies for osteoporosis treatment and in dentalapplications as strontium acetate for treating hypersensitivity. In this context, thepresent study proposes the investigation, preparation, and characterization of flavonoid-Sr 2+ complexes and their incorporation into polymeric and lipid nanoparticles. Theparticles will be tested as vehicles for controlled and sustained release of the complexes.Their physicochemical characterization will be performed to determine size, charge, andmorphology. Finally, the therapeutic potential of the nanoparticles will be tested incomparison with free complexes in mineralizing cell cultures such as osteoblasts andodontoblasts.