Implantable electrochemical biosensor for bone health monitoring: design, fabrication and characterization

• Grant number: 24/18805-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Noronha Lisboa Filho
• Grantee: Nayrim Brizuela Guerra
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/01132-2 - Multidisciplinary Center for the Development of Assistive Technology (MCDAT), AP.CCD

Abstract

in the fields of electronics and microfabrication techniques are stimulating growing interest in the use of bioelectronic devices in orthopedic medicine. Implantable bone biosensors are miniaturized devices capable of providing continuous data on a target analyte, allowing real-time monitoring of bone health. In this project, we propose to design, manufacture and characterize a biocompatible biosensor that can be integrated into bone implants to monitor calcium levels after orthopedic surgeries. The biosensors will be manufactured by screen printing using biocompatible polydimethylsiloxane substrates and carbon dot ink-based electrodes obtained by green synthesis. The electrospinning technique will allow obtaining fibers with a large surface area and good interconnection, attractive properties for element identification. Chitosan and polydopamine fibers loaded with calcium-specific ionophores will be evaluated as an electroactive component of the biosensors. Both polymers have favorable properties for biosensors, i.e., inherent biocompatibility, presence of attractive functional groups to form complexes with ions, and strong interfacial adhesion. This research proposal is innovative, since to date there is no implantable biosensor prototype in the literature for detecting calcium ions using electrospun chitosan fibers and polydopamine as the electroactive surface. The performance of the biosensor will be evaluated through several electrochemical characterizations, in order to estimate the detection limits, sensitivity, and selectivity of calcium ions in a wide range of concentrations. In vitro biological studies will be performed to ensure the biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the device. Finally, we hope that our results will serve as a basis for the development of new implantable sensing devices that can assist in the in situ monitoring of bone tissue regeneration and mineralization. (AU)