Natural molecules on the surface of bioactive materials for modulating the host response to implants (NAT4MORE)

Abstract

The specific innovation objective is to address the problem of physiological healing of bone implants, through the modulation of the host response. The host response is still an unmet need and source of frequent complications: too high risk of inadequate long-term outcome of dental implants, of significant heterotopic ossification, fibrosis and infections of spinal and orthopaedic ones. Numerous surfaces for implants have already been developed focusing on fast bone integration. However, it has recently been highlighted that fast bone integration can be associated with significant inflammation. The focus of the research on biomaterials must be moved from fast bone integration to physiological healing and NAT 4MORE will contribute to this approach. The expected NAT 4MORE's result is the development of nanotextured surfaces for bone implants, functionalized with natural biomolecules, able to fine modulate the biological response (Fig. 1). Titanium alloys, bioactive glasses and hydroxyapatite were selected as model substrates because they are established materiais and their comparison allows finding comprehensive rules extendible to severaI bone implants. The Consortium has expertise in surface nanotexturing as a strategic tool in order to stimulate cellular adhesion and differentiation without increasing bacterial adhesion. The surface functionalization will be performed, following a bioinspired approach, with natural biomolecules with a well-known action in inflammatory resolution and osteogenicity: polyphenols derived from grape pomace and chitin derivatives from shrimp shells. These biomolecules have a proved anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bone stimulating activity. The project will impact on: 1) Knowledge of the scientific community on the interface reactions between biomaterials and the biological environment focusing on inflammation and foreign body reaction; 2) Future products: biomaterials for bone contact applications with better clinical outcome; 3) Environmental issues: the selected biomolecules are high-added value products obtained from largely available waste of the food/wine industry: NAT 4MORE will contribute to exploit the economic potential of the local EU productivity from abundant natural sources. (AU)