Al2O3/ZrO2 scaffolds with incorporation of antibiotic release systems

• Grant number: 24/13703-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rosemary Aparecida de Carvalho
• Grantee: Bruna Carolina Dorm
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos (FZEA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Pirassununga , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/10604-0 - Development of ceramics scaffolds for application in tissue engineering, AP.TEM

Abstract

With the increase in life expectancy and accidents associated with modern lifestyles, new materials and therapeutic treatments are needed to meet the demand for improved living conditions. As a result, tissue repair surgeries are becoming increasingly common, as are infections associated with such procedures, despite all the prophylactic measures involved. Thus, the development of biomaterials, such as ceramic matrix scaffolds for bone replacement and repair with antimicrobial properties, is crucial to addressing this issue. Among the possible strategies, coating scaffolds with polymeric films incorporating antibiotics can combine the properties of these biomaterials with the minimization of infection risks. In this context, the objective of this project is to produce and analyze the performance of polymeric coatings on Al2O3/ZrO2 scaffolds, focusing on the study of the controlled release of antibiotics incorporated into these coatings. The expected outcomes include developing coating formulations based on natural polymers, studying the controlled release of antibiotics, and analyzing cell adhesion and bone mineralization on these scaffolds. This project is part of the Thematic Project "Development of Ceramic Scaffolds for Application in Tissue Engineering." The proposed methodology includes obtaining dense specimens and ceramic scaffolds of Al2O3/ZrO2 using additive manufacturing (AM); preparing and characterizing precursor solutions using natural polymers to evaluate the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the coated scaffolds; and studying the incorporation and release of antibiotics. Ultimately, this project aims to contribute to the development of biomaterials and their applications in tissue engineering and bone regeneration.