Development of ceramics scaffolds for application in tissue engineering

Abstract

Porous bioceramics called scaffolds have been studied for bone replacement and repair, with properties that meet the functionality and integration between the biomaterial and the biological system. Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2 bioceramics are recognized as biomaterials due to their improved mechanical properties, high chemical stability and biocompatibility when compared to other materials. However, due to the bioinert nature of Al2O3 and ZrO2, surface coatings are used to improve the interaction of this biomaterial with the host tissue when implanted, in addition to being able to release ions that stimulate cellular responses at the molecular level, through mechanisms not yet fully understood. In this sense, the main objective of this project is to obtain Al2O3 scaffolds and Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites that may present physicochemical and morphological characteristics that, when implanted in lesions or regions of the bone defect, stimulate osteogenesis and lead to the formation of structures similar to the elements of the extracellular matrix, facilitating the implantation, expansion and integration of the bone tissue. To achieve the main objective, this project was divided into three subprojects. Subproject 1 aims to obtain Al2O3 and Al2O3 scaffolds containing 5vol % of nanometric zirconia inclusions (Al2O3/ZrO2) obtained by gelcasting and 3D printing techniques, coated with calcium phosphates enriched with Sr2+ ions and gentamicin. Subproject 2 aims to cover the Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2 scaffolds with polymeric films carrying bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2). Subproject 3 aims at the incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the scaffolds obtained by subprojects 01 and 02, and the functional analysis in vitro and in vivo. With this, it is expected to obtain biocompatible, bioactive and biofunctional Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, with potential use in tissue engineering and bone regeneration therapies in veterinary and human medicine, enabling rapid treatment of injured regions. (AU)