Vieira, Suellen Rocha; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1581-2533; https://lattes.cnpq.br/7263587365402152
Resumo:
The use of chitosan (CS) in the production of scaffolds, three-dimensional (3D), porous
structures that play an important role as support for the growth of new tissues, has emerged as
a promising alternative for biomedical applications, particularly in bone tissue regeneration.
However, the low mechanical strength of these materials suggests the incorporation of
nanomaterials, such as nanocellulose (NC), to provide structural reinforcement and broaden
their application potential. NC is biodegradable, biocompatible, renewable, and exhibits a high
surface area and mechanical strength, but its traditional production by acid hydrolysis (H₂SO₄
and HCl) leads to environmental impacts. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) can be employed
as a sustainable alternative for producing these nanoparticles. This study aimed to map
technologies involving cellulose dissolution methods in ILs, identify major technological gaps,
and develop CS-based scaffolds reinforced with NC obtained from ILs to support bone tissue
regeneration. NC was produced from eucalyptus pulp using the ionic liquid 3-dimethylamino1-propylammonium hexanoate (DMAPA[Hex]) and characterized in terms of yield, zeta
potential, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron
microscopy (TEM). A central composite design (CCD) was used to optimize reaction time and
temperature. Patent analysis indicated that the technology is in an early stage of maturity, with
a predominance of applications in polymer chemistry and machinery, while uses in medical,
pharmaceutical, and micro/nanotechnology fields remain incipient, representing opportunities
for innovation. The optimal condition identified was 75 °C for 14.5 h, resulting in stable
cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with well-defined morphology and a zeta potential of
approximately 7.0 mV, favorable for colloidal stability. The nanostructured scaffolds composed
of purified chitosan (CS-P) and CNF were produced in 3D format and characterized by XRD,
scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, and in vitro cell viability assays. The structures
exhibited interconnected porous networks with pores larger than 100 µm, providing a
voluminous matrix suitable for cell growth. CS-P improved the structural integrity of the
biomaterial, and cell viability tests demonstrated high biocompatibility. The integration of
technical performance, biocompatibility, and environmental responsibility positions the
CNF/CS-P scaffolds as promising candidates for regenerative medicine and advanced
biomaterials research.
