Development of a hybrid biomaterial based on decellularized extracellular matrix and natural polymers for dermal regeneration

• Grant number: 25/23633-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2026
• End date: December 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Maria Angelica Miglino
• Grantee: Fernando Gonçalves da Silva Petronio
• Host Institution: Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR). Marília , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/05445-7 - Functionalized tissue factory: bioengineering based on ecm interactions with biopolymers and bioprinting, AP.TEM

Abstract

Skin regeneration in complex wounds, such as deep burns and chronic ulcers, remains a challenge in regenerative medicine. Hybrid biomaterials combining decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), alginate, collagen, and chitosan have the potential to provide structural support, bioactivity, and stimulation of dermal cell adhesion and proliferation. This project aims to develop and characterize a hybrid hydrogel derived from porcine skin dECM, incorporating alginate, collagen, and chitosan, evaluating its physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties in vitro. Analyses will include morphology, porosity, water absorption capacity, mechanical strength, cytocompatibility with fibroblasts and keratinocytes, cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix deposition. The biomaterial is expected to promote re-epithelialization and angiogenesis while maintaining the three-dimensional architecture of the matrix, providing insights for future clinical applications in skin regeneration and advances in tissue engineering.