Papers by Author: J. Miguel Oliveira

Abstract: In this study, it is shown that it is possible to develop 3D-porous bilayer hydroxyapatite/chitosan scaffolds by means of combining a sintering and a freeze-drying technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) studies revealed that the scaffolds possess a well-defined orientation and anisotropic porosity, with pore size ranging between 50-350 µm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns evidenced the formation of crystalline hydroxyapatite. Moreover, the compression tests revealed that these scaffolds have adequate mechanical properties for being used in tissue engineering of osteochondral defects.

Abstract: In this paper we report a new type of cross-linked porous structure based on a chitosansoy protein blend system developed by means of combining a sol-gel process with the freeze-drying technique. The final structure was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), contact angle measurements and the morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The water uptake capability and the weight loss were measured up to 14 days and their mechanical properties were assessed with compression tests. Results showed that the addition of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to the chitosan-soy protein blend system provide specific interactions at the interface between the two polymers allowing to tailor the size and distribution as well as the degradation rate of the hybrids. Finally, TEOS incorporation induces an increase of the surface energy that influences the final physicochemical properties of the materials.

Abstract: In this study, it is shown that it is possible to prepare carboxymethyl-chitosan/Ca-P hybrids using an innovative “auto-catalytic” co-precipitation method, namely by using an acid and an oxidant bath. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns evidenced the formation of crystalline calcium-phosphate precipitates when using an acid bath, while amorphous ones were obtained for those produced in the oxidant bath. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS) studies revealed that the extent of the polymer precipitation and formation of calcium-phosphates is directly dependent on the pH and composition of the baths. Furthermore, by conducting bioactivity tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF) followed by the SEM/EDS analysis it was possible to detect the formation of an apatite layer with a cauliflower-like morphology on the surface of hybrids prepared by the acid bath, after 7 days of immersion. These results are quite promising because they can allow for the production of bioactive and biodegradable 3D porous scaffolds to be used in bone tissue engineering applications.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to develop a new methodology to obtain bioactive coatings on bioinert and biodegradable polymers that are not intrinsically bioactive. In this study, three types of materials were used as substrates: (i) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) and two different types of starch based blends (ii) starch/ethylene vinyl alcohol blends, SEVA-C, and (iii)starch/cellulose acetate blends, SCA. These materials were obtained by injection moulding and by extrusion with blowing agents in order to obtain compact/porous 3D architectures. Three types of baths were developed in order to produce the newly proposed auto-catalytic Ca-P coatings: (i)alkaline, (ii) acid, and (iii) oxidant bath. The obtained results indicated that it was possible to coat the materials surfaces with calcium phosphate (Ca-P) layer with only 60 min of immersion in the different types of auto-catalytic solutions. These innovative auto-catalytic electroless route allows for the production of an adherent bioactive film on the polymeric surfaces. Furthermore, it was possible observe by SEM/EDS the clear bioactive nature of the Ca-P coatings after different immersion periods, in a simulated body fluid (SBF).