Síntesis y caracterización de SCAFFOLDS inteligentes para aplicaciones en regeneración de cartílago

Abstract

The aim of this research work was to synthesise and characterise smart scaffolds for cartilage regeneration applications by obtaining Gelatine Methacryloyl Gel (GelMA) scaffolds loaded with smart particles that released controlled amounts of oxygen; the smart hydrogels were characterised using spectroscopic techniques and electron microscopy, and the results obtained were compared with results that are currently used in applications. This research work was based on the construction of a hydrogel-based scaffolds capable of promoting cartilage regeneration, the type of research led to a mixed method: qualitative and quantitative, to meet the study objectives a research model with a deductive approach was needed to give a broader and more general perspective of the study in question; therefore, the mixed method that was used gives a better variety of perspectives with quantitative data. Consequently, the Calcium Peroxide was developed, together with the elaboration of the photoreticulant "Irgacure in liquid", followed by the synthesis of GelMA and GelMA scaffolds with Calcium Peroxide (CPO) nanoparticles at different concentrations. In conclusion, smart scaffolds based on methacryloyl gelatine loaded with oxygen releasing CPO particles with different concentrations (0% w/v, 0.1% w/v, 1% w/v and 2% w/v) were synthesised, obtaining porous and biocompatible structures as characteristics. These scaffolds are candidates for the acceleration and regeneration of cartilaginous tissues in a hypoxic environment. When synthesising calcium peroxide, it is recommended to carry out a stoichiometric analysis to have a balanced equation that determines the proportions between reactants and products, in this way no product is wasted, and the right quantities are known for obtaining calcium peroxide.