Formulação de um novo aerogel à base de celulose bacteriana funcionalizado com proteínas do humor vítreo de atum (Thunnus albacares)

Abstract

Biomaterials are materials that perform complex interactions with living systems and are mainly applied in tissue regeneration, requiring ease of manufacture, biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties. Bioprospecting in the marine environment, which is rich in bioactive compounds, offers opportunities for the production of biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Vitreous humor (VH), a gelatinous substance that makes up approximately 80% of the eyeball and is found in abundance in fish, has valuable molecules that can be incorporated into biomaterials. Although it plays biomechanical, optical and biochemical roles, the complexity of its composition and function in fish requires further study. In addition, increased fish consumption generates waste that is harmful to the marine environment, highlighting the need for reuse and sustainable management of waste from the fishing industry. In this context, the aim of this study was to formulate an aerogel based on bacterial cellulose functionalized with tuna (Thunnus albacares) VH and to carry out a partial physicochemical and biological characterization of this biomaterial. The tuna eyes were collected in a processing industry, undergoing sanitary protocols, and the VH was extracted after pre-processing. Protein extraction from VH was carried out in two solutions, followed by electrophoretic analysis. Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were produced, and hybrid matrices were formulated with BC and sodium alginate at different concentrations, cross-linked with CaCl2. VH proteins were incorporated into the blends. The matrices were analyzed for morphology, porosity and cytotoxicity. The percentage of viable cells after contact with the matrices was evaluated and the results statistically analyzed. Analysis of the soluble protein fractions and cytotoxicity indicated similarity between the vitreous humor (VH) and aqueous humor plus vitreous humor (AHT) samples. The addition of VH proteins to the blends did not interfere with the material's physical properties. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the components of the blends did not interact chemically and electron microscopy revealed that the addition of VH increased the number of surface pores in the matrices. Finally, the cytotoxicity test revealed that the formulations were not toxic, suggesting the promising potential of the material for future research into advanced therapies for epithelial regeneration, highlighting the need for further evaluations with different cell lines and animal models.