Christin Jung

Visiting student (FH Münster, Germany)

Surface Functionalization of 3D Polymer Scaffolds with Ion-Releasing Nanoparticles

Supervisors: Prof. Thomas Jüstel (FH Münster), Dr Julia Ce de Andrade, Dr. Qaisar Nawaz, and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini (FAU)

The project focuses on combining multifunctional, ion-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) with polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds fabricated via melt electrowriting (MEW). By integrating bioinspired surface modification strategies with ion-assisted antibacterial and osteogenic functionality [1], the work targets infection responsive materials for osteomyelitis treatment. Building on doped-MBGN composite scaffolds that enhance wettability, ion release, and biological performance [2], the study bridges materials design and biofabrication toward bone-regenerative scaffolds. The research is conducted within the framework of our collaboration with UFSC, funded by CAPES/PROBAL.

[1] Ilyas, K., Akhtar, M. A., Ammar, E. B., & Boccaccini, A. R. (2022). Surface modification of 3D-printed PCL/BG composite scaffolds via mussel-inspired polydopamine and effective antibacterial coatings for biomedical applications. Materials, 15(23), 8289.

[2] Nawaz, Q., López, G. B., Strunk, T., Damiani, C., Mas-Moruno, C., Westhauser, F., … & Boccaccini, A. R. (2025). 3D printing of PCL-based composite scaffolds coated with mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) incorporating boron and molybdenum for ion-assisted bone tissue engineering. Journal of Materials Science, 1–18.