Projects / Programmes
Aerogels as biodegradable bone implants
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.04 |
Engineering and Technology |
Chemical engineering
|
Aerogels, natural materials, nanomaterials, bone implants, foam, porous materials
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
36445 |
PhD Gabrijela Horvat |
Chemical engineering |
Head |
2021 - 2023 |
61 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The objective of the proposed project is the formulation and design of novel bio-based organic solvent-free aerogels and their composites with polylactic acid (PLA) foams as biodegradable scaffolds for bone implants to treat large bone defects. In the first part of the project, the new gelation mechanism of ethyl cellulose (EC) and PLA will be developed in order to obtain stable gels. EC, PLA, xanthan-PLA and EC-PLA gels will be formulated and processed with supercritical carbon dioxide in order to preserve gels properties. Resulting aerogels will have interconnected pores, high porosity, low density, and high surface area. These materials will also be biodegradable and biocompatible. The second part of the project will be focused on the formulation of PLA foam, obtained by supercritical foaming with carbon dioxide, thus avoiding the use of organic solvents. PLA foams will then be exposed to EC and xanthan solution and gelation will be induced in order to form a gel inside the porous structure of foams. This will lead to the composite material of which macropores are filled with materials with nano and mesoporous structure. Resulting composites will have good mechanical and structural properties, suitable for the use in biomedical applications. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents will be incorporated into aerogels and aerogel/foams in order to achieve local controlled and prolonged release of the bioactive agents. This approach provides better clinical outcome, less risk for implant rejection, less need for postoperative intravenous treatment and better patient compliance. Cell toxicity and degradation rates will be determined in order to achieve degradation rates similar to the new bone formation. The proposed research is directly addressing one of the current main European challenges (active ageing) and is in agreement with the Slovenia's smart specialisation strategy S4 (materials, nanotechnology, health & medicine) and with European Commission Strategic Plan 2020-2024 Health&Food Safety (antimicrobial resistance).
