Nilza Ribeiro

Dr. Nilza Ribeiro


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 November 2019 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LSLilian de Siqueira
Lilian de Siqueira
NRNilza Ribeiro
Nilza Ribeiro
MPMaria Belen Arteaga Paredes
Maria Belen Arteaga Paredes
LGLiliana Grenho
Liliana Grenho
CRCassilda Cunha Reis
Cassilda Cunha Reis
Fernando Jorge MonteiroFernando Jorge Monteiro
Fernando Jorge Monteiro
Scaffolds based on aligned and non-aligned poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers obtained by electrospinning, associated to electrosprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) for tissue engineering applications were developed and their performance was compared in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors. The morphological results assessed by scanning electron microscopy showed a mesh of PLLA/PCL fibers (random and perfectly aligned) associated with aggregates of nanophased HA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity in the blends and the presence of nanoHA in the scaffold. As a result of fiber alignment a 15-fold increase in Young’s Modulus and an 8-fold increase in tensile strength were observed when compared to non-aligned fibers. In PLLA/PCL/HA scaffolds, the introduction of nanoHA caused a remarkable improvement of the mechanical strength of this material acting as a reinforcement, enhancing the response of these constructs to tensile stress. In vitro testing was evaluated using osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. The results showed that both fibrous scaffolds were able to support osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation and that fiber alignment induced increased cellular metabolic activity. In addition, the adhesion and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated and a lower number of colony forming units (CFUs) was obtained in the scaffolds with aligned fibers.