Biomimetic 3D scaffolds coated with a thermo-responsive hydrogel containing smart pharmaceuticals nanocarriers aimed for bone tissue regeneration

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Reduced graphene oxide–reinforced tricalcium phosphate/gelatin/chitosan light-responsive scaffolds for application in bone regeneration

Publication . Cabral, Cátia S. D.; Melo-Diogo, Duarte de; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André F.; Correia, I.J.

Bone is a mineralized tissue with the intrinsic capacity for constant remodeling. Rapid prototyping techniques, using biomaterials that mimic the bone native matrix, have been used to develop osteoinductive and osteogenic personalized 3D structures, which can be further combined with drug delivery and phototherapy. Herein, a Fab@Home 3D Plotter printer was used to promote the layer-by-layer deposition of a composite mixture of gelatin, chitosan, tricalcium phosphate, and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The phototherapeutic potential of the new NIR-responsive 3D_rGO scaffolds was assessed by comparing scaffolds with different rGO concentrations (1, 2, and 4 mg/mL). The data obtained show that the rGO incorporation confers to the scaffolds the capacity to interact with NIR light and induce a hyperthermy effect, with a maximum temperature increase of 16.7 °C after under NIR irradiation (10 min). Also, the increase in the rGO content improved the hydrophilicity and mechanical resistance of the scaffolds, particularly in the 3D_rGO4. Furthermore, the rGO could confer an NIR-triggered antibacterial effect to the 3D scaffolds, without compromising the osteoblasts' proliferation and viability. In general, the obtained data support the development of 3D_rGO for being applied as temporary scaffolds supporting the new bone tissue formation and avoiding the establishment of bacterial infections.

2024-01-05Journal article

Open access

Lignin-enriched tricalcium phosphate/sodium alginate 3D scaffolds for application in bone tissue regeneration

Publication . Barroso, A.S. Silva; Cabral, Cátia S. D.; Ferreira, Paula; Moreira, André F.; Correia, I.J.

The bone is a connective, vascularized, and mineralized tissue that confers protection to organs, and participates in the support and locomotion of the human body, maintenance of homeostasis, as well as in hematopoiesis. However, throughout the lifetime, bone defects may arise due to traumas (mechanical fractures), diseases, and/or aging, which when too extensive compromise the ability of the bone to self-regenerate. To surpass such clinical situation, different therapeutic approaches have been pursued. Rapid prototyping techniques using composite materials (consisting of ceramics and polymers) have been used to produce customized 3D structures with osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. In order to reinforce the mechanical and osteogenic properties of these 3D structures, herein, a new 3D scaffold was produced through the layer-by-layer deposition of a tricalcium phosphate (TCP), sodium alginate (SA), and lignin (LG) mixture using the Fab@Home 3D-Plotter. Three different TCP/LG/SA formulations, LG/SA ratio 1:3, 1:2, or 1:1, were produced and subsequently evaluated to determine their suitability for bone regeneration. The physicochemical assays demonstrated that the LG inclusion improved the mechanical resistance of the scaffolds, particularly in the 1:2 ratio, since a 15 % increase in the mechanical strength was observed. Moreover, all TCP/LG/SA formulations showed an enhanced wettability and maintained their capacity to promote the osteoblasts' adhesion and proliferation as well as their bioactivity (formation of hydroxyapatite crystals). Such results support the LG inclusion and application in the development of 3D scaffolds aimed for bone regeneration.

2023-03-31Journal article

Open access

Chitin- and chitosan-based strategies in wound healing

Publication . Cabral, Cátia S. D.; Graça, Mariana F. P.; Moreira, André F.; Diogo, Duarte de Melo; Correia, I.J.

Nowadays, chronic wounds are still a huge health problem with a high impact on the patients’ quality of life. In this way, the development of an ideal wound dressing is of utmost importance. To accomplish that, researchers have been using natural polymers to produce new types of dressings, that can activate/direct specific cellular responses, leading to an improved healing process. Among the natural polymers, chitin presents notable antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties that are crucial for enhancing the wound healing process. Moreover, chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, has been one of the most used biopolymers due to its straightforward processability into different forms, antimicrobial activity, and capacity to promote/accelerate the healing process. This chapter provides an overview of the properties exhibited by chitin and chitosan as well as examples of their application in the development of dressings aimed to improve the healing process.

2022-07-01Book part

Open access