Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine: synthesis and characterisation of a bioglass containing silk fibroin and nitric oxide (NO) generating molecules.

• Grant number: 25/15228-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Mauricio Cavicchioli
• Grantee: Gabriela Ferreira Mestrinel
• Host Institution: Universidade de Araraquara (UNIARA). Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Research in regenerative medicine is opening up promising pathways for the treatment of patients requiring tissue regeneration, especially in the context of bone healing. Among the various biomaterials used for bone tissue restoration, bioactive glasses-porous vitreous materials containing silicon dioxide (SiO¿), calcium oxide (CaO), sodium oxide (Na¿O), and phosphates-have demonstrated remarkable versatility for these applications.Silk fibroin, a protein naturally produced by the Bombyx mori silkworm, stands out as another biomaterial of great interest. It is highly biocompatible, exhibits slow degradation, and supports cell adhesion, which makes it a compelling option for bone tissue engineering.Additionally, nitric oxide (NO)-releasing compounds such as nitroprusside offer specific bioactivity-these molecules function as vasodilators, enhancing blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in tissues with which they interact.In this study, the objective is to synthesize a bioactive glass where the vitreous matrix (SiO¿ network) is developed using the sol-gel process-a method that enables precise control over the composition and structure of the resulting glass. Instead of incorporating the usual calcium ions and phosphate groups, we will introduce alternative bioactive components already explored in the laboratory, specifically silk fibroin and NO-generating molecules. This strategic approach will allow us to investigate how these components influence the structure and bioactive properties of the resulting glass. The goal is to develop materials with enhanced mechanical properties compared to fibroin scaffolds, while also achieving optimal bioactivity. This material combination seeks to create a sturdy structure, supported by the bioglass, without compromising its capacity to promote cell growth.The morphology of the material will be characterized through spectroscopic and microscopic analyses, and its hardness will be evaluated using mechanical testing. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity tests will be conducted to ensure the biomaterial's safety. Additional assays may be performed to assess its ability to stimulate cell proliferation.The findings will be presented at conferences and scientific meetings and may be published in specialized scientific journals.