Functional curcumin scaffolds to tackle chronic wounds

Abstract

Chronic wounds represent a significant challenge to global health, leading to prolonged patient suffering, increased healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life. Addressing this issue requires innovative strategies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This master’s thesis investigates the potential use of support structures composed of collagen, functionalized with hydroxyapatite and curcumin as skin substitutes in the treatment of chronic wounds. The aim of this study is to explore the multifaceted properties of these biomaterials and their synergistic effects in promoting wound healing, while providing a structure similar to natural skin. Collagen, as the primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix, offers excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity, facilitating cell adhesion, proliferation, and tissue regeneration. Hydroxyapatite, known for its osteoconductive properties, contributes to the stability and bioactivity of the structure, while curcumin, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can help mitigate the complications of chronic wounds. In this study, porous support structures composed of hydroxyapatite and collagen were manufactured, incorporating different concentrations of curcumin. These structures exhibited desirable levels of interconnected porosity, reaching 75.7%, and demonstrated satisfactory mechanical properties. However, contrary to expectations, they did not demonstrate any antioxidant properties. The results of the Resazurin assay indicated that even at lower doses, the presence of curcumin in the support structures did not induce cell death. However, it had an impact on cell adhesion, restricting and reducing this important process, compared to the control group. The work developed within the scope of this master’s thesis allowed the development and validation of these supports based on collagen, hydroxyapatite, and curcumin as a promising solution to improve wound healing processes and improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from chronic wounds.

Date of Award	25 Mar 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Leite Oliveira (Supervisor), José Manuel Gonçalves Ventura (Co-Supervisor) & Sara Maria Gomes Tiago Madureira (Co-Supervisor)