Alea Gerstmann

Bachelor student

Dual-functional Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles for Phytothrapeutic Drug Delivery Systems

 

Supervisors: Maria Eduarda Xavier da Silva, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) are promising materials for soft tissue engineering due to their ion release properties that promote cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation [1]. This Bachelor’s thesis explores the surface functionalization of doped MBGNs. The aim is to identify optimal surface modifications that enable stable drug binding and controlled release of plant-derived compounds, known for their broad phytotherapeutic effects and minimal side effects compared to synthetic drugs [2]. Such hybrid systems could significantly enhance regenerative medicine by combining bioactivity with natural therapeutic potential.

[1] S. Pourshahrestani, et al., The effect of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles incorporating various metallic ions (Cu, Zn, Mn, Te) on wound healing. Mater. Adv., 5, 6630-6647 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00392F

[2] Ilyas, K. and Boccaccini, A.R. (2022). Enhancing the biological performance of bioactive glasses by combination with phytotherapeutic compounds. In: Bioactive Glasses and Glass-Ceramics (edited by F. Baino and S. Kargozar). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119724193.ch12