POST-TRANSPLANT IMMUNOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF GRAPHENE OXIDE (OG)/POLY-L-LACTIC ACID (PLLA) FOR BONE REPAIR IN GOAT MANDIBLES

• Grant number: 24/16268-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Maria Angelica Miglino
• Grantee: Fernando Gonçalves da Silva Petronio
• Host Institution: Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR). Marília , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/05445-7 - Functionalized tissue factory: bioengineering based on ecm interactions with biopolymers and bioprinting, AP.TEM

Abstract

Bone repair is a persistent challenge in orthopedic medicine and reconstructive surgery, especially in cases of complex fractures and extensive bone loss. The use of biomaterials such as graphene oxide (GO) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has shown promise due to their favorable physicochemical properties and ability to support cellular and tissue growth. It is known that the success of the transplantation of these biomaterials depends significantly on the host's immune response, which can vary widely. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the post-transplant immune response to graphene oxide (GO) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in experimental bone repair models, aiming to improve the understanding of the involved mechanisms and anticipate potential clinical challenges and benefits. Samples will be obtained from previously conducted studies on goat mandibles, in which GO/PLLA scaffolds were transplanted for the repair of critical defects compared to titanium plate fixation alone (control) in an already established model. Subsequently, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of GO/PLLA and control samples will be performed to identify and quantify inflammatory cells (macrophages, lymphocytes) at the implant site in groups of 15 days (n=3), 45 days (n=3), and 60 days (n=3). Additionally, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines will be measured at the implant site to characterize the immune profile. Ultimately, statistical analysis of the data will be conducted using the Prism 7.0 software to compare experimental groups and correlate the immune response with bone repair outcomes.