Keywords

Nanobubbles; Biodegradable Implants; Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound; Osteoporosis; Cytocompatibility; Magnesium Based Nanocomposite

Abstract

This thesis intends to investigate the development of different multimodal therapeutic strategies for combating bone loss. Most specifically, this paper will emphasize the utilization of Magnesium-Based Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Implants (MMNC) and Nanobubble-Based Delivery Systems as options for future treatment focus. The effects of biodegradable magnesium implants were evaluated for cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility via Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Masson’s Trichrome staining, as well as radiological images. The Nanobubble-Based Delivery System is being developed and optimized as a delivery system to target osteoclast activity. This paper focused on optimizing experimental parameters, which include Rotational speeds for nanobubble stimulation under microgravity conditions and also Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation parameters, including intensity, time periods, and rotating vessel size. An attempt to develop a nanobubble-polymer-based coating on magnesium was also attempted through hydrothermal treatment and analysis via SEM imaging. To determine nanobubble cytocompatibility, we utilized the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. To quantify the impact of cell cultures with and without nanobubbles, Live-Dead Assay and MTT Assay were utilized. The effect of LIPUS was also analyzed through cell groups with nanobubbles being stimulated with LIPUS and control groups not being stimulated by LIPUS. Microscopic images were taken to assess morphology and internalization over different time points. Results identified the optimal Nanobubble concentration for Macrophages to be cultured, and compatibility tests demonstrated cytocompatibility with the experimental variables. These findings provide a basis for studies in the future that will use macrophage differentiation to obtain and test on osteoclasts, and for studies that will utilize microgravity conditions to model extreme bone loss environments, like osteoporosis.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Razavi, Mehdi

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Biomedical Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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