Roberta Rovelli

Dr. Roberta Rovelli

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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15 March 2025 in Gels
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Mario MilazzoMario Milazzo
Mario Milazzo
RRRoberta Rovelli
Roberta Rovelli
CRClaudio Ricci
Claudio Ricci
TMTeresa Macchi
Teresa Macchi
GGGIUSEPPE GALLONE
GIUSEPPE GALLONE
Serena DantiSerena Danti
Serena Danti
The high biocompatibility and the key role of collagen in bone extracellular matrix make it useful for tissue engineering. However, the high demand, costs, and challenges of extracting good-quality collagen have led to the use of collagen derivatives and search for non-human alternatives. This study investigates fish and bovine collagen peptides (Collf and Collb, respectively) as sustainable sources for 3D-printed bone scaffolds by developing and characterizing peptide-incorporated alginate/hydroxyapatite-based bioinks. The chemical analysis revealed structural similarities between the peptides, while rheological tests showed a slightly higher viscosity of Collf-based inks, which improved shape fidelity during the printing process. Upon oscillating rheological tests, both the Collf and Collb-based ink formulations demonstrated a solid-like behavior at frequencies higher than 0.4 Hz, which is crucial for maintaining the printed structure integrity during extrusion. Although Collb-based inks exhibited better pore printability, Collf-based inks achieved superior resolution and geometry retention. Macro-porous structures printed from both inks showed good accuracy, with minimal shrinkage attributed to hydroxyapatite. Both the produced inks had a high gel fraction and swelling behavior, with Collb-based outperforming Collf-based inks. Finally, both ink formulations resulted to be cytocompatibile with human dermal fibroblasts. These findings position Collf- and Collb-based inks as promising alternatives for bone tissue scaffolds, offering a sustainable balance between performance and structural stability in 3D printing applications.