Biomaterials functionalization with polyphenols and characterization

Polyphenols are a class of biomolecules that are becoming more and more relevant in scientific world thanks to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Their potentiality in bettering the actual materials applied in musculoskeletal implantology has been deepened. Four biomaterials have been used as substrates to implement functionalisation with polyphenols: hydroxyapatite, titanium and two different types of bioglass. The objective of this research is to study the properties of the functionalising solutions and the treated biomaterials, evaluating a future clinical application. Different characterisation techniques have been used: Folin and Ciocalteu test, UV spectroscopy, FTIR-ATR, zeta potential and fluorescence microscopy. The antioxidant activity has been evaluated through DPPH test. Finally, a release test was implemented, followed by the evaluation of the behaviour of the functionalised biomaterials after sterilisation through gamma irradiation.