Silvia Marino

Visiting PhD student (Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy)

Electrospinning of Biocompatible Polymers with Functionalized Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

 

Supervisor in Erlangen: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

This project investigates the development of bioactive nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning biocompatible polymers blended with surface-functionalized hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are fabricated at the Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna. The objective is to obtain hybrid materials that combine mechanical stability, processability, and osteoconductive properties for potential use in bone tissue engineering. The research involves the optimization of electrospinning parameters, the physicochemical and mechanical characterization of the resulting materials, and the evaluation of their bioactivity and cytocompatibility. These materials may serve as promising candidates for bone regeneration, offering a balance between synthetic processability and biological performance. The work is part of a collaboration between the FAU Institute of Biomaterials and the Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna (Prof. Elisa Boanini’s group).