Results
Phase I.
The research explores the use of Spirulina-derived complex extracts, rich in both sulfated polysaccharides and proteins, as reducing and stabilizing agents for the green synthesis of Ag NPs. Among three experimental conditions tested, the extract from biomass grown under a light/dark cycle with zinc acetate supplementation yielded the highest extract quantity and was selected for further work. Ag NPs synthesized using this extract were characterized by TEM and FTIR, confirming their nanoscale structure and effective integration with biomolecules. These Ag NPs were subsequently biofunctionalized by combining with Spirulina-derived protein extracts to enhance biocompatibility. A chemical synthesis route was also used to prepare Ag NPs functionalized with ibuprofen. Structural investigations were conducted using advanced microscopy techniques. The project achieved all its deliverables and objectives, including the development of functional nanosystems and dissemination of results via international conferences and publications.
Phase II.
In this phase, composite coatings based on AgNPs functionalized with Spirulina platensis, with and without IBUP, were successfully developed and investigated. AgNPs were synthesized via chemical reduction and further integrated into bioactive matrices, followed by deposition onto cotton and silicon substrates using MAPLE technique. Structural and compositional analyses (XRD, EDS, FTIR) confirmed the preservation of the crystalline structure of AgNPs and the chemical integrity of the biomolecular components after laser transfer. Morphological investigations (SEM, AFM) revealed homogeneous coatings with reduced surface roughness and high hydrophilicity, favorable for wound dressing applications. Drug release studies demonstrated tunable IBUP release profiles, ranging from sustained to burst-and-maintenance behavior, depending on formulation. Biological evaluations highlighted good cytocompatibility, reduced inflammatory response upon IBUP incorporation, and enhanced antimicrobial activity, particularly for PSS-3-IBUP coatings. Overall, the MAPLE techniques is effective for producing multifunctional bioactive coatings with controlled drug delivery and infection-control potential for advanced wound care applications.
The results of this phase have relevant socio-economic impact by contributing to the development of advanced biofunctional wound dressings with potential to reduce infection rates, accelerate healing, and lower healthcare costs. The use of natural bioresources and MAPLE technology supports sustainable production and future industrial transfer in the medical textiles sector. The project also strengthens cross-border scientific collaboration and supports the training of highly skilled researchers. From a cognitive perspective, this phase generated new interdisciplinary knowledge on structure–property response relationships in bioactive coatings, advancing expertise in biomaterials, laser processing, and controlled drug delivery.
Phase III.
The biological performance of the MAPLE-deposited multifunctional coatings was assessed through Live/Dead fluorescence staining, IL-1β secretion, and LDH release assays using HEK cells under both standard conditions and inflammatory conditions induced by ibuprofen.
The investigated coatings exhibited generally good cytocompatibility, supporting cell adhesion, viability, and normal cellular morphology. The incorporation of IBUP further improved the biological performance by reducing the inflammatory response, as demonstrated by the decreased secretion of IL-1β compared with the corresponding reference formulations. Moreover, all coatings showed low cytotoxicity, reflected by moderate LDH release levels, indicating good membrane integrity and overall cellular compatibility. Among the investigated formulations, several coatings combined excellent cytocompatibility with pronounced anti-inflammatory properties and minimal cytotoxic effects, highlighting their potential for future biomedical applications.
These results provide valuable insight into the relationship between the composition of multifunctional laser-engineered coatings and their biological performance. The project has contributed to a better understanding of how the incorporation of bioactive compounds into MAPLE-deposited coatings can simultaneously improve cytocompatibility, modulate inflammatory responses, and preserve cell membrane integrity. This knowledge supports the rational design of next-generation multifunctional biomaterials for implantable medical devices and regenerative medicine.
The obtained results contribute from a cognitive perspective by advancing the understanding of the interactions between multifunctional laser-engineered biomaterials and biological systems. The project generated new knowledge regarding the influence of coating composition on cytocompatibility, inflammatory response, and cellular behavior, while validating biological evaluation methodologies for multifunctional MAPLE-deposited coatings. These findings provide a scientific basis for the rational design of next-generation bioactive surfaces with improved therapeutic performance and support future research in biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
From a socio-economic perspective, the developed multifunctional coatings have the potential to improve the safety and long-term performance of implantable medical devices by reducing inflammation and implant-associated complications. Their implementation could contribute to better patient outcomes, lower healthcare costs associated with revision surgeries and long-term treatments, and increased opportunities for technology transfer, industrial collaboration, and the development of innovative biomedical products with commercialization potential.