Development of Pectin-Based Hemostatic Biofilms Incorporated with Nickel (Ni), Bismuth (Bi), and Cobalt (Co) Nanoparticles: Thromboelastographic Analysis and Antimicrobial Efficacy

• Grant number: 24/21092-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Jose Geraldo Nery
• Grantee: José Eduardo Ferraz Souza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências, Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José do Rio Preto. São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The presence of bacterial biofilms in the hospital environment represents a significant challenge, negatively impacting hemostasis and wound healing, in addition to increasing the risk of postoperative infections. Previous research conducted by our group, with support from FAPESP, resulted in the preparation, characterization, and thromboelastographic studies of new hemostatic agents based on zeolitic materials (process: 2013/16754-4) and pectin (process: 2019/01858-5). Building on these investigations, this scientific initiation project aims to develop hemostatic membranes made of pectin enriched with metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and oxide nanoparticles (ONPs), modifying the materials through the incorporation of Nickel (Ni), Bismuth (Bi), and Cobalt (Co) nanoparticles. The ultimate goal is to control biofilm formation, promote hemostasis, and evaluate the synergistic effect between their antimicrobial and hemostatic actions in pectin-based systems.The antimicrobial activity of the biofilms will be evaluated in vitro against bacterial strains relevant to hospital environments, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, focusing on the inhibition of biofilm formation and the eradication of pre-formed biofilms. Biocompatibility will be analyzed through cytotoxicity and cell proliferation tests using fibroblasts and endothelial cells. The mechanical properties of the biofilms will be characterized through tensile tests, while their hemostatic efficacy will be assessed in animal models of hemorrhage by analyzing coagulation time, blood loss, and tissue integration. It is expected that the biofilms developed in this project will exhibit effective hemostatic and antimicrobial properties, with potential applications in surgeries, contributing to the reduction of infections and the improvement of clinical outcomes.