Dulce Liliana Medina Bueno

PhD student

Development of scaffolds containing ion-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles and phytochemicals for soft tissue engineering and drug delivery applications

Supervisor: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are being increasingly proposed for applications in soft tissue engineering and they have already been evaluated for their role in stimulating neovascularization, nerve reconstruction, regenerating heart tissue, and promoting the wound healing process [1]. BGs, specially mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs), can be doped with metal ions such as Ag, Cu, Ce, Ga, and Zn, which give them an antibacterial effect and different bioactivities [2]. There is evidence that the incorporation of phytochemicals into these systems produces extra synergistic effects on the bioactivity of these materials. However, it is necessary to develop strategies that allow for dual control of the release of ions and therapeutic molecules to ensure the desired therapeutic effects [3].

Therefore, this work focuses on the development of scaffolds containing ion-doped MBGNs that incorporate phytochemicals. It is expected that the new systems will have multiple benefits that accelerate and enhance the healing processes of soft tissues. The release kinetics of ions and phytochemicals will be studied. It is also proposed to analyze in vitro different bioactivities of scaffolds containing different combinations of ions and phytochemicals.

References

1. Miguez-Pacheco, V., Hench, L. L., & Boccaccini, A. R. (2015). Bioactive glasses beyond bone and teeth: Emerging applications in contact with soft tissues. Acta biomaterialia, 13, 1-15.

2. Zhu, H., Zheng, K., & Boccaccini, A. R. (2021). Multi-functional silica-based mesoporous materials for simultaneous delivery of biologically active ions and therapeutic biomolecules. Acta Biomaterialia, 129, 1-17.

3. Zheng, K., Sui, B., Ilyas, K., & Boccaccini, A. R. (2021). Porous bioactive glass micro-and nanospheres with controlled morphology: Developments, properties and emerging biomedical applications. Materials horizons, 8(2), 300-335.