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- Production and characterization of chitosan/gelatin/β-TCP scaffolds for improved bone tissue regenerationPublication . Serra, Inês Raquel Tavares; Fradique, Ricardo Gil; Vallejo, Mariana C. da S.; Correia, Tiago R.; Miguel, Sónia P.; Correia, Ilídio Joaquim SobreiraRecently, bone tissue engineering emerged as a viable therapeutic alternative, comprising bone implants and new personalized scaffolds to be used in bone replacement and regeneration. In this study, biocompatible scaffolds were produced by freeze-drying, using different formulations (chitosan, chitosan/gelatin, chitosan/β-TCP and chitosan/gelatin/β-TCP) to be used as temporary templates during bone tissue regeneration. Sample characterization was performed through attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Mechanical characterization and porosity analysis were performed through uniaxial compression test and liquid displacement method, respectively. In vitro studies were also done to evaluate the biomineralization activity and the cytotoxic profile of the scaffolds. Scanning electron and confocal microscopy analysis were used to study cell adhesion and proliferation at the scaffold surface and within their structure. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the scaffolds was also evaluated through the agar diffusion method. Overall, the results obtained revealed that the produced scaffolds are bioactive and biocompatible, allow cell internalization and show antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Such, make these 3D structures as potential candidates for being used on the bone tissue regeneration, since they promote cell adhesion and proliferation and also prevent biofilm development at their surfaces, which is usually the main cause of implant failure.
- New therapeutic approaches for bone regenerationPublication . Fradique, Ricardo Gil; Correia, Ilídio Joaquim SobreiraThe aging of the worldwide population has led to an increase in bone tissue diseases. Wether due to trauma or pathology, if the bone tissue is compromised it constitutes a serious threat to the well being of the individual. Current solutions for bone defects involve the use of bone grafts, particularly autografts. However, these present serious limitations for their use, such as limited availability, or the possibility of chronic pain, and may not allow the patient’s full recovery. In this context, Tissue Engineering emerged as a potential solution, since it uses biomaterials and bioactive molecules to develop devices that allow the repair or regeneration of bone tissue. One of the most researched approaches are scaffolds, that are three dimensional matrices, aimed to act as temporary templates for cell adhesion and proliferation, offering mechanical support while the bone tissue regenerates. A particularly promising approach uses rapid prototyping technology to produce 3D scaffolds with highly controlled structure, either from CAD models, or routine exam medical data. The present study describes the physicochemical, mechanical and biological characterization of 3D β-TCP/Alginate scaffold, produced by rapid prototyping. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Contact Angle, and Scanning Electron Microscopy were used to characterize the porosity, surface hydrophilic character and chemical composition of the produced scaffolds. In addition, the mechanical stability (Compressive Strength and Young’s Modulus) was also evaluated. The biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated by in vitro MTS assays, using human osteoblasts as model cells. The results obtained showed that the produced scaffolds present excellent biological and physicochemical properties, allowing for the adhesion and proliferation of human osteoblasts. Moreover, the produced scaffolds presented remarkable mechanical strength, matching or surpassing the properties of native trabecular bone, which is fundamental for their potential use in the regeneration of bone tissue.