Sponge-derived silica for tissue regeneration: Bioceramics of deep-sea sponge

The main goal of the research being developed is to chemically characterize the biogenic silica found in a wide range of deep-sea ground-forming sponges of the North Atlantic and further assess its bioactive behavior with potential use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Particular focus will be given to developing biomaterials capable of influencing cell fate and ultimately to developing silica-based biocomposites, inspired by the natural organization features of deep-sea sponges, capable of promoting bone tissue regeneration.