Development and Evaluation of Injectable Bioactive Hydrogel Composed of Silk Fibroin, Puerarin and Reduced Graphene Oxide Directed for Post-Myocardial Infarction Therapy

• Grant number: 25/08406-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: September 22, 2025
• End date: September 21, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek
• Grantee: Bruna Vanessa Quevedo Miranda
• Supervisor: Ali Khademhosseini
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas e da Saúde (FCMS). Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo (PUC-SP). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/17083-8 - Development and Evaluation of Injectable Bioactive Hydrogel Composed of Silk Fibroin, Puerarin and Reduced Graphene Oxide Directed for Post-Myocardial Infarction Therapy, BP.DR

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of global mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. MI leads to the death of cardiomyocytes and the formation of fibrous tissue, impairing the electrical signaling of the myocardium and resulting in cardiac dysfunction. Current therapies do not effectively promote the regeneration of the affected area. Injectable bioactive hydrogels with conductive properties have emerged as a promising strategy due to their minimally invasive nature. Therefore, this project aims to develop a bioactive injectable hydrogel composed of silk fibroin (SF), puerarin (PUE), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). SF provides structural support and biocompatibility, while PUE (Pueraria lobata), a flavonoid minimally explored in the literature, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to enhance hydrogel gelation. The incorporation of rGO aims to confer electrical conductivity, facilitating electrophysiological communication between cardiac cells. In collaboration with Dr. Ali Khademhosseini's research group at the Terasaki Institute, this project aim to deepen the investigation into the biological properties of the developed hydrogels. Specifically, in vitro biological assays will be conducted to evaluate the electrical stimulation of the hydrogel and the cell viability of cardiomyocytes cultured in this environment. Advanced analyses, including calcium flux assessment, immunohistochemical analysis, in vitro injury treatment, and characterization of the cell beating pattern, will be performed to understand the cellular behavior and electrophysiological performance of the material. The expertise of the Terasaki Institute will be crucial for the biological characterization of the hydrogel, allowing significant advancement in the development of innovative biomaterials for regenerative medicine and the treatment of MI. Furthermore, this stage will foster enriching international collaboration, with potential for scientific publications and research advancements, strengthening academic cooperation and driving new investigations. (AU)