WP1 will be focused on the synthesis and characterization of nano-composites materials based on chemical modified natural polymers and nano-calcium phosphate (n-CaP) prepared by sol-gel technology. A series of composite hydrogels will be prepared by varying the composition (in term of n‐CaP). All realized hydrogels will be fully characterized from a chemical, thermal and mechanical point of view making use of the facilities available in the host’s laboratory. The best candidates will be loaded with a specific concentration of anti‐inflammatory drug (i.e diclofenac, dexamethasone) and tested to analyze cytotoxicity and anti‐inflammatory activity by in vitro model. Then, the effects of anti‐inflammatory drug release from the scaffolds on cellular behaviour will be also investigated.

Task 1.1: Chemical synthesis and characterization of modified natural polymer
Task Leader: DSCTM-CNR
Task 1.2: Development of photocrosslinkable composite material
Task 1.3: Physico-chemical and morphological characterization of composite materials