Sol-Gel Synthesis of New Bioactive Organic-Inorganic Materials for Biomedical Use: SiO2/Ferulic Acid/PEG.

In this study, a series of SiO2-based biomaterials synthesized via the sol-gel technique was developed by integrating different weight percentages (10wt% and 15wt%) of ferulic acid (FA) and varying weight percentages (6wt%, 12wt%, and 24wt%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Chemical characterization of the materials was performed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy to confirm the incorporation of the functional agents and the matrix structure. Biocompatibility was assessed through cell-based assays and gene expression analysis, highlighting a positive effect of the materials on cell proliferation and the regulation of key markers for tissue regeneration. Finally, the ability to induce hydroxyapatite (HA) formation was verified using simulated body fluid (SBF) following the Kokubo test, demonstrating the bioactive potential of the treated surfaces. The obtained results indicate that the combination of SiO2, FA, and PEG via sol-gel represents a promising platform for applications in the field of bone regeneration and functional biomaterials.