Luigi AMBROSIO

Abstract

Functional Biomaterials as theragenerative platform for bone tissue

L. Ambrosio, A. Bigham, M. G. Raucci

Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Viale J.F. Kennedy, 54, Mostra d'Oltremare, Pad.20, 80125 Naples, Italy

Email address: luigi.ambrosio@cnr.it

The design biomaterials endowed with therapeutic and regenerative (theragenerative) properties are recently of particular interest [1]. 

Micro or nano-structured materials in the form of gels, nanoparticles and nanocomposites have gained increasing interest in regenerative medicine because they are able to mimic the physical features of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) at the sub-micro and nano-scale levels and with the possbility to be bioactivated by specific compounds as bioactive molecules (e.g., dendrons, eumelanin). Specifically, eumelanin has been recognized for its ability to improve the physicochemical properties of bone substitutes by stimulating the functions of stem cells and osteoblasts and promoting the biomineralization process. Indeed, materials composed of gellan gum hydrogel and eumelanin displayed greater stability due to the presence of negatively charged groups along the eumelanin backbone [2]. Furthermore, 2D materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and exfoliated black phosphorus (2D BP) show important therapeutic and regenerative activities due to their physicochemical properties. Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of 2D BP and GO as photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents for cancer treatment. This activity has been ascribed to their capability of generating singlet oxygen and acting as photosensitizers that, in presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and infrared light irradiation, constitute an essential component of PDT therapy [3]. On the other hand, the oxygen-containing functional groups of GO and the phosphates ions (PO43-) derived by BP decomposition act as anionic ligands for positive calcium ions (Ca2+), enhancing the attraction, binding, and aggregation of free Ca2+ in bone tissue, ultimately leading to the formation of calcium phosphate (CaP). In this way, GO and 2D BP represent bioactive signals able to promote osteogenesis [4]. Here, we propose the in vitro use of 2D materials to stimulate osteogenic differentiation and provide therapeutic effects, particularly in terms of anticancer activity. Specifically, the results demonstrate that 2D BP substrates can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration while preserving healthy cells [5]. Furthermore, we offer an overview of how these 2D materials may be used to develop nanostructured hybrid materials (e.g., gels, nanoparticles) as a theraregenerative platform for bone tissue engineering in terms of bone cancer therapy and regeneration.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank PRIN 2017 SAPIENT-2017CBHCWF and Project MIUR PRIN2017 PRIN2017 – ACTION - Grant N. 2017SZ5WZB for financial support.

References

[1] Bigham, A., Fasolino, I., Borsacchi, S., Valente, C., Calucci, L., Turacchio, G., ... & Raucci, M. G. Bioactive Materials, 2024;35:99-121.

[2] D’Amora, U., Soriente, A., Ronca, A., Scialla, S., Perrella, M., Manini, P., ... & Ambrosio, L. (2022). Biomedicines, 2022;10(11):2945.

[3] Bigham, A., Raucci, M. G., Zheng, K., Boccaccini, A. R., & Ambrosio, L. Advanced Materials, 2023;35(41): 2302858.

[4] L. Ambrosio, M.G. Raucci, A. Longo, G. Carotenuto, D. Giugliano. International Publication patent number WO 2017/017610 A1.

[5] M.G. Raucci, I. Fasolino, M. Caporali, M. Serrano-Ruiz, A. Soriente, M. Peruzzini, L. Ambrosio. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 2019;11:9333.