Establishment of a bioprocess for the production of a hydrogel resulting from the association of alginate and pequi oil morphologically defined from scanning of virtual skin ulcers

Abstract

Tissue Engineering (TE) is an interdisciplinary field of knowledge that applies principles of engineering and life sciences in order to restore, maintain or improve tissue function. In this sense, it mobilizes knowledge and techniques for the construction of three-dimensional structures, from biomaterials such as alginate, a natural polymer obtained from brown algae, non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and low cost of obtention. Although extensively studied in association with several other types of biomaterials and biomolecules and in the form of a polymeric hydrogel exploited for wound treatment, there are no reports of the use of alginate in association with pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) for the treatment of difficult-to-heal skin ulcers. The combination of pequi oil as an anti-inflammatory and healing agent, incorporated into alginate hydrogel and printed on 3D structures could represent a new therapeutic alternative for the regeneration of skin lesions. In this context, this project sought to standardize and establish an additive manufacturing bioprocess for printing a hydrogel, resulting from the association of alginate and pequi oil obtained from three-dimensional models of virtual skin ulcers scanned by smartphone cameras, which can be used in the short and medium term as a new therapeutic alternative in cutaneous ulcers of difficult healing. The previous results obtained demonstrate the feasibility that the association of alginate and pequi oil represents as a suitable blend for 3D bioprinting, as well as a potentially promising new therapeutic approach for the treatment of skin ulcers.