Evaluation of the activity of ellagic acid in coagulation as a biomimetic strategy for the development of advanced materials applied to bone regeneration.

• Grant number: 25/07829-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Willian Fernando Zambuzzi
• Grantee: Luísa Camilo Suter
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to evaluate the potential of ellagic acid (EA), a phenolic lactone, in modulating blood coagulation as a biomimetic strategy for developing advanced materials for bone regeneration. Considering the critical role of blood coagulation in the initial stages of osseointegration, the ability of EA to activate Factor XII (Hageman factor) indicates its promising application for optimizing biomaterial integration into bone tissue. Based on previous studies on biphasic calcium phosphates (BCP), this research will explore the effects of incorporating EA into these biomaterials regarding cytotoxicity, gene expression related to coagulation and inflammation, osteogenic potential, and tissue response in vivo. The study integrates advanced physicochemical analyses (XRD, TGA, FTIR, Raman), comprehensive cellular assays (viability, adhesion, differentiation, mineralization, zymography), and validations in an animal model (critical calvarial defect). Ultimately, this research aims to develop an innovative, functional, and efficient biomaterial for bone regeneration, achieving significant scientific and translational impact. (AU)