Combination of fish-derived hydroxyapatite and Spirulina biomass in the formulation of inks for 3D printing of scaffolds: in vitro and in vivo analyses.

• Grant number: 25/03246-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: February 29, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Renata Neves Granito
• Grantee: Diana Gabriela Nina Nina
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/11111-2 - Biosustainability in bone tissue engineering: combination of hydroxyapatite extracted from fish and Spirulina biomass in the formulation of inks for 3D printing of scaffolds., AP.R

Abstract

The hydroxyapatite (HA) is a bioceramic widely used in bone tissue engineering due to its similarity to the mineral phase of bones. Obtaining HA from fish waste represents a sustainable alternative for the production of this material. Additionally, Spirulina biomass has been studied for its bioactive properties that may promote osteogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the biological responses of scaffolds for bone engineering using HA extracted from fish waste, combined or not with Spirulina. To achieve this, in vitro assays will first be conducted using a pre-osteoblastic cell line to assess the biocompatibility and osteogenic potential of the materials through indirect tests (using scaffold extracts) and direct tests (cell contact with three-dimensional scaffolds). Subsequently, the in vivo osteogenic potential will also be evaluated by implanting the scaffolds into bone defects in rats, allowing the analysis of bone regeneration. The expected results include the validation of the combination of fish-derived HA with Spirulina as a promising strategy for biomaterials applied to bone repair.