Maria Angélica Barbudo

Visiting PhD student (University Miguel Hernández, Spain)

Processing and characterisation of ion doped bioactive ceramic scaffolds for bone regeneration

Supervisors (Elche): Prof. Piedad N. De Aza, Prof. Ángel Murciano
Supervisors (Erlangen):  Marcela Arango Ospina and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

This project focuses on the development of advanced materials for bone regeneration through the synthesis of porous ceramic scaffolds and 3D multilayer structures [1]. These structures, synthesized using sol-gel processing and polymer sponge replication techniques, aim to mimic the architecture of bone tissue and promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation [1,2]. In addition, the developed materials show potential as ion-releasing systems that stimulate new bone formation, contributing to advances in tissue engineering and personalized medicine.

[1]. This research project proposes multilayer scaffolds based on the SiO2-CaO-P2O5 system, with partial cationic substitution (Ca2+ by Li+) and anionic substitution of phosphate groups by borate groups. The resulting scaffolds will be evaluated using biocompatibility, osteoinductivity and angiogenesis. The visit is funded by a grant from the Government of the Generalitat Valenciana with reference CIGRIS/2022/190.

[1] Barbudo MA, Velásquez P, Murciano Á, De Aza PN. Ca9.95Li1.05(PO4)7 and β-Ca3(PO4)2 lamellar microstructure: multilayer 3D scaffolds for 3T3 cell viability studies. Ceram Int 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.06.145.

[2] Mata NA, Arango-Ospina M, Velasquez P, Murciano A, De Aza PN, Boccaccini AR. Effect of Sr, Mg and Fe substitution on the physico-chemical and biological properties of Si-Ca-P multilayer scaffolds. Boletin de La Sociedad Española de Cerámica y Vidrio 2023;
62: 145–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bsecv.2021.11.005.