Peptide-based scaffolds for tissue engineering

This research project aims to develop three-dimensional structures, called scaffolds, for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, in order to treat different diseases. The main objective is the creation of a supramolecular peptide hydrogel, subsequently tested to evaluate its compatibility with cells and their adhesion and growth capacity. The hydrogel is designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), both in its structure and in its conduction properties, which are critical to the success of the project. This thesis work involves the development of scaffolds composed of short self-assembling peptides, known for their biomimetic characteristics that are made by a bioactive and a self-assembly part. In addition, we enriched the matrix by adding carbon nanostructures, which are incorporated into the gelation process. The functionalized carbon nanostructures are distributed homogeneously in the gel matrix to improve the similarity with the conductivity of the neural extracellular matrix and to modify the physical properties of the gel itself. This research project is conducted in collaboration with the Group of Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Sciences, in particular with professors Miriam Mba Blazquez and professor Enzo Menna, and involves the manual synthesis of short, biomimetic and self-assembling peptides using the SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) technique. These peptides will later be able to form the peptide hydrogel thanks to their ability to self-assemble. Next, the carbon nanostructures are evenly dispersed in the gel. The gel has been characterized from a rheological point of view, and finally, studies are conducted to evaluate its biocompatibility and cell growth. In this project I collaborated with Silvia Burgo and Linda Brun, who are MSc students in Mba Blazquez’s and Menna’s labs, respectively.