EVALUATION OF THE IN VITRO AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SKIN DRESSINGS MADE FROM FISH SKIN COLLAGEN WITH THE ADDITION OF BIOMASS FROM THE MICROALGAE Chlorella vulgaris.

• Grant number: 25/04163-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Ana Claudia Muniz Renno
• Grantee: Luana Dalle Luche
• Host Institution: Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade (ISS). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Baixada Santista. Santos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Skin tissue is considered one of the vital organs of the human body and has an important function as a protective barrier, which makes it highly susceptible to injuries. The tissue repair process is one of the most complex in the body, and is therefore susceptible to several failures and challenges. The treatment of skin lesions generates high medical costs, directly impacting the health system, the economy and the quality of life of patients. In view of the above, the search for innovative and affordable alternatives for skin dressings has been awakened. Marine collagen (COL) appears as a promising and sustainable alternative, presenting itself as a potent biomaterial for wound healing, due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and lack of cytotoxicity. In addition, collagen can be associated with antioxidant molecules present in microalgae biomass in order to improve its biological effectiveness, inhibiting and/or reducing the effects triggered by oxidative stress. Furthermore, the use of 3D printing techniques in the manufacture of skin dressings has gained prominence due to the possibility of customization and versatility. Therefore, the dressing will be manufactured by 3D printing, combining COL and sodium alginate. The in vitro experiments will be evaluated through metabolic activity and cell proliferation through the reduction of the MTT reagent and cell adhesion and viability tests. And the antioxidant potential will be analyzed by the ORAC assay using the Trolox reference standard. The objective is to evaluate the in vitro biological activity and the antioxidant potential of COL dressings. The study will use the species Syacium spp. to extract COL from its skin with a protocol adapted by the laboratory's scientific group. In parallel, the biomass of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris will be incorporated in different concentrations. (AU)