Johanna Götzelmann

Bachelor student

Characterization of alginate-based hydrogels loaded with phytotherapeutics and inorganic fillers for biofabrication and drug delivery approaches

 

Supervisors: Faina Bider, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

The manufacturing of biocompatible scaffolds is the foundation for successful tissue engineering. Natural polymer-based hydrogels are promising materials for this application due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and tuneable properties by adjusting the composition of the hydrogel, this is particularly the case for alginate based systems [1]. Furthermore, the antibacterial properties of alginate-based hydrogels can be improved through incorporation of antibacterial agents [2] or inorganic fillers such as mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles [3]. The aim of this project is the development and characterization of alginate-based hydrogels loaded with antibacterial agents and inorganic fillers for bioprinting and drug delivery approaches.

[1] Reakasame, Supachai, and Aldo R. Boccaccini. “Oxidized alginate-based hydrogels for tissue engineering applications: a review.” Biomacromolecules 19.1 (2018): 3-21.

[2] Kumar, Naresh, and Vikas Pruthi. “Potential applications of ferulic acid from natural sources.” Biotechnology Reports 4 (2014): 86-93.

[3] Leite, Alvaro, et al. “Bioplotting of a bioactive alginate dialdehyde-gelatin composite hydrogel containing bioactive glass nanoparticles.” Biofabrication 8 (2016) 035005.