Bioactive Glasses
Development of ion-releasing biomaterials for bone regeneration and tissue repair.
Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), Brazil
Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
BBLab integrates chemistry, biology, and engineering to develop advanced biomaterials and biointerfaces for tissue regeneration and clinical translation.
3
sub-laboratories
1
LEAM environment
FTIR
spectroscopy platform
ITA
São José dos Campos
Our Mission
From fundamental materials science to clinical translation.
We are dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biomaterials and biointerfaces through the development of bioactive glasses and innovative biofabrication techniques. Our mission is to bridge the gap between fundamental science and clinical application, focusing on regenerative medicine and tissue engineering to create next-generation solutions for human health and sustainable biotechnology.
Research Areas
Material interfaces designed for biological performance.
We explore the intersection of advanced materials and biological systems to drive innovation in regenerative medicine and biointerfaces.
Surface Characterization
Advanced analysis of material interfaces and surface topography for biocompatibility.
Biofabrication
Development of polymer-ceramic composites and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Tissue Engineering
Regenerative medicine and the development of advanced biointerfaces for healing.
Laboratory Platform
An integrated environment for biomaterials development.
BBLab is constituted by three distinct sub-laboratories: the Solid State Chemistry Laboratory (LQES), the Cell Culture Laboratory (LCC), and the Tissue Engineering and Bioprinting Laboratory (LETBip). A fourth environment houses the Multiuser Laboratory of Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy (LEAM).
LQES
Solid State Chemistry Laboratory
Planning and synthesis of bioactive glasses, ceramics, and hybrid biomaterials.
LEAM
Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy Facility
Multiuser characterization environment supporting FTIR and spectroscopy workflows.
LCC
Cell Culture Laboratory
In vitro biological evaluation and cell-material interaction studies.
LETBip
Tissue Engineering and Bioprinting Laboratory
Processing, scaffold fabrication, bioinks, and tissue engineering strategies.
Planning
Synthesis
Processing
Characterization
Biological Evaluation
Facilities
Core equipment for synthesis, processing, characterization, and biological evaluation.
BBLab combines chemical synthesis, cell culture, biofabrication, molecular characterization, sample preparation, and infrastructure for continuous operation across its LQES, LCC, LETBip, and LEAM environments.
catalogued laboratory assets
Equipment inventory supporting BBLab research routines and multiuser analyses.
integrated environments
LQES, LCC, LETBip, and LEAM operate as a connected research platform.
Backup power infrastructure
Toyama Diesel TDMG60SE3 generator, three-phase 380 V, for energy maintenance and operational continuity.
Cell Culture and Biological Evaluation
-
CO2 Incubator
Thermo Scientific Heracell VIOS 160i
Controlled cell culture atmosphere and temperature, 37 °C / 5% CO2. Qty: 1
-
Routine Inverted Microscope
Olympus CKX53 with digital camera
In vitro cell-culture analysis and bioprinting follow-up. Qty: 1
-
Biological Safety Cabinet
Grupo Veco BIOSEG
Sterile handling and protection against biological contamination. Qty: 1
-
Scientific / Biological Refrigerator
Biotecno, glass-door model
Controlled storage and conservation of inputs and reagents. Qty: 1
-
Scientific / Medical Freezer (-20 °C)
Elber Medical Line
Storage of reagents, enzymes, antibodies, and PCR kits. Qty: 1
-
Vertical Ultrafreezer (-86 °C)
Thermotemp THT.U430L
Ultra-low-temperature storage of biological samples. Qty: 1
-
Duplex Refrigerator (2 °C to 8 °C)
Electrolux
Refrigerated storage of media and buffers. Qty: 1
-
Refrigerated Microprocessed Centrifuge
Kasvi K14-4415R
Temperature-controlled microvolume centrifugation. Qty: 1
-
Mini Centrifuge / Spin
Ionlab
Rapid spin-down and precipitation of microtubes. Qty: 1
-
Thermo Mixer
Digital Heat/Cool
Orbital shaking with heating and cooling for microplates. Qty: 1
-
UV Chamber
SPLabor
Gel visualization and UV transillumination at 254/365 nm. Qty: 1
Chemistry, Synthesis, and Processing
-
Precision pH Station / Meter
Mettler Toledo SevenExcellence with InLab Expert Pro-ISM
High-precision pH/mV measurements with automatic electrode recognition. Qty: 1
-
Benchtop pH Meter
Kasvi
pH and electrical-potential measurements in solutions. Qty: 1
-
Variable DC Power Supply
Jesverty, 0-120 V / 0-3 A
Regulated benchtop source for electrochemical and electrical assays. Qty: 1
-
Electrophoresis Power Supply
Kasvi
Continuous voltage/current source for electrophoresis tanks. Qty: 1
-
Oil Vacuum Pump
Edwards, rotary-vane system
High-vacuum generation for lyophilization, filtration, or desiccation. Qty: 1
-
Benchtop / Console Freeze Dryer
Liobras Liotop K105
Vacuum sublimation drying of thermosensitive samples. Qty: 1
-
Magnetic Stirrer with Heating
IKA C-MAG HS 7
Stirring and heating of solutions on ceramic plate. Qty: 3
-
Magnetic Stirrer with Heating
Fisatom
Homogenization and heating of reagents on circular plate. Qty: 5
-
3D Bioprinter
Benchtop dual-syringe system
Tissue engineering and hydrogel bioprinting. Qty: 1
-
Stainless-Steel Benchtop Autoclave
SolidSteel
Steam-pressure sterilization of glassware and media. Qty: 1
-
Benchtop Autoclave
VIDA
Rapid sterilization of small volumes and materials. Qty: 1
-
Drying Oven with Air Circulation
SolidSteel 7lab
Glassware drying and dry sterilization of materials. Qty: 1
-
Water Bath with Openings
Stainless-steel benchtop system
Indirect heating of glassware and solutions. Qty: 1
Molecular Characterization and Sample Preparation
-
FTIR Spectrophotometer
Shimadzu IRTracer-100
Infrared spectroscopy for molecular characterization. Qty: 1
-
Hydraulic Press for KBr Pellets
PIKE Technologies CrushIR
Preparation of solid samples for FTIR analysis. Qty: 1
Environmental Control, Safety, and Monitoring
-
Air Dehumidifier
Arsec M160D
Relative-humidity control in analytical environments. Qty: 1
-
No-break / UPS
APC Back-UPS
Electrical protection and power backup for sensitive instruments. Qty: 1
-
IP Security Camera / Monitoring
Intelbras
Room monitoring and operational/patrimonial security. Qty: 1
-
Digital Thermo-Hygrometer
HTC-2
Temperature and relative-humidity monitoring. Qty: 1
Featured Projects
Focused research initiatives with translational ambition.
Current research initiatives at BBLab focus on the development of advanced biomaterials and biointerfaces for regenerative medicine.
Advanced Bioactive Glasses
Ion-releasing glass systems for tissue integration, repair, and therapeutic response.
3D Bioprinting Scaffolds
Architected scaffolds and bioinks for regenerative applications and tissue engineering.
Polymer-Ceramic Composites
Hybrid biomaterials designed for performance, stability, and biomedical compatibility.
Team
People advancing BBLab science at ITA.
The BBLab team brings together research leadership, PhD students, MSc students, and alumni working across bioactive glasses, biointerfaces, biofabrication, spectroscopy, and regenerative medicine.
Join our research efforts
Research Leadership
João Henrique Lopes
Principal Investigator, Research Leader, and Laboratory Coordinator at BBLab. His research focuses on advanced biomaterials and biointerfaces for regenerative medicine, with emphasis on bioactive glasses and biofabrication.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoctoral Researcher
- Cell Culture
- Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials
PhD Students
PhD Candidate
- Guided bone regeneration
- Biomaterials
- Bioactivity
Funding: CAPES
View profile
PhD Candidate
Funding: FAPESP — 2025/01038-9
- Biomaterials
- Nanomaterials
- Biomedical Applications
- Advanced characterization
First MSc defense at BBLab · 2024
View profile
PhD Student
Paula Cristina Gomes Fernandes
Funding: FAPESP — 2022/07967-3
PhD Candidate
- Bioactive glasses
- Nanomaterials
- Drug delivery
- Bone regeneration
Funding: CNPq
View profile
PhD Candidate
- Niobium
- Mechanotransduction
- Microgravity
- LIPUS
Funding: CNPq
View profileMSc Students
MSc Student
Luiza Dávila Marques de Lima
Funding: CAPES
MSc Student
Rodrigo Rodrigues
Funding: No scholarship
MSc Student
- Osteosarcoma
- tumor selectivity
- bioactive glass
- drug delivery
Funding: FAPESP — 2026/03235-9
View profile
MSc Student
- Bioactive glasses
- Drug delivery
- multi-ionic therapy
Funding: CNPq
View profile
MSc Student
Rebecca Brito
Funding: No scholarship
Undergraduate Research Students
Undergraduate Research Student
Yasmin Pinheiro Cabral
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
Undergraduate Researcher
- Hydrogels
- rheology
- 3D bioprinting
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
View profile
Undergraduate Research Student
Letícia Bastos
Funding: FAPESP — 2025/07220-3
Undergraduate Research Student
Eduarda Alves dos Anjos Silva
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
Alumni
PhD Alumni
Funding: CAPES
PhD defended on 18 September 2026.
First PhD graduate at BBLab · 2026
View profile
Undergraduate Alumni
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
2024
Biotinas Inteligentes para Bioimpressão 4D.
View profile
Undergraduate Alumni
Bianca Marçal Pagan
Funding: FAPESP — 2023/00747-0; 2024/07553-0
Scientific initiation projects on mesoporous bioactive glasses.
Undergraduate Alumni
Vitória Maria Gomes de Moura
Scientific initiation projects in silica systems and smart bioinks.
Undergraduate Alumni
Funding: FAPESP — 2022/11767-0
2022
INVESTIGAÇÃO DE ESTRATÉGIAS DE RETICULAÇÃO DE HIDROGÉIS PARA BIOIMPRESSÃO 3D.
View profile
Undergraduate Alumni
Gabriella Francabandiera
Final undergraduate project and scientific initiation in biomaterials.
Undergraduate Alumni
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
2020
Desenvolvimento de novas estratégias biomédicas para regeneração de cartilagem e osso subcondral.
View profileUndergraduate Alumni
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq
2019
Desenvolvimento de estruturas porosas hierárquicas de nanopartículas de óxido de nióbio automontadas via colagem ultrassônica de fosfato para catálise.
View profile
PhD Co-supervision
Geovana Vilas Bôas Guedes
PhD thesis completed in 2018 at UNIFESP.
Undergraduate Alumni
Funding: PIBIC-CNPq; FAPESP — 2020/00598-7
First BBLab member · 2019
Scientific initiation projects in multifunctional biomaterials.
View profileBecome a BBLaber
Join a research environment built for curious, rigorous, and collaborative science.
BBLab welcomes students and researchers who want to work at the interface of chemistry, biology, materials science, engineering, and regenerative medicine. Opportunities may be available for undergraduate research, MSc, PhD, and postdoctoral projects, with potential fellowships from FAPESP, CNPq, CAPES, institutional calls, and international collaborative programs depending on eligibility, timing, and project alignment.
Tell us where you are in your academic path, what excites you scientifically, and how you imagine contributing to biomaterials and biointerfaces research. The strongest messages are specific: a research question, a technique you want to learn, a project idea, or a clear motivation to grow with the group.
Undergraduate Research
MSc
PhD
Postdoctoral Research
Events & Gallery
Workshops, group moments, and BBLab scientific outreach.
A compact archive for BBLab meetings, workshops, training moments, and visual records from the laboratory community, with highlights shared through the official Instagram channel.
IV Workshop de Bioengenharia do ITA
The next edition is planned for October 2026, continuing the BBLab workshop series dedicated to bioengineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine at ITA.
@bblab.ita
Completed
I Workshop de Bioengenharia do ITA
Completed
II Workshop de Bioengenharia do ITA
Completed
III Workshop de Bioengenharia do ITA
Upcoming
IV Workshop de Bioengenharia do ITA
Photo Archive
Visual records from BBLab group life
Selected images from workshops, lab routines, student activities, visiting researchers, and group gatherings.
Publications
Scientific publications from the principal investigator and BBLab research network.
Full record provided by the principal investigator, organized from most recent to earliest, with DOI links where available.
Coupled Ionic-Molecular Release Governed by Dissolution and Diffusion in Multicomponent Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles
International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, 23(3), e70210
10.1111/ijac.70210A comprehensive rheological study on the influence of ion charge density and valence in ionotropically crosslinked alginate hydrogels for bioprinting
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 316(Pt 2), 144720
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.144720Revolutionizing bone regeneration: 3D printing of PLA/MFBG composites with advanced healing properties
Materials Today Chemistry, 43, 102447
10.1016/j.mtchem.2024.102447Nanocellulose-Based Capsules with pH Responsiveness for Colon-Targeted Curcumin Delivery
ACS Applied Nano Materials, 8(4), 2033-2045
10.1021/acsanm.4c06941Unlocking the potential of multicomponent mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles: An approach to enhanced ion therapy
Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids, 638, 123059
10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2024.123059In Situ Biofabrication of Microbial Cellulose Capsules Carrying Cubosomes: Toward Colon Targeted Multidrug Delivery
ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 6(7), 3708-3720
10.1021/acsapm.3c02851Lightweight, high strength bioactive polysaccharide-based scaffold with potential to treat bone tumors
Tissue Engineering Part A, 29(13-14)
Cancer Inhibition and In Vivo Osteointegration and Compatibility of Gallium-Doped Bioactive Glasses for Osteosarcoma Applications
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 14(40), 45156-45166
10.1021/acsami.2c12102Editorial: Biomacromolecules Systems Applied to Medical Implants for the Release of Therapeutic Agents
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 10, 910203
10.3389/fbioe.2022.910203Morphological, structural, and in vitro bioactivity of core-shell-structured bioactive glass by multitechnical spectroscopic approach
Ceramics International, 48(6), 8039-8050
10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.12.005Ultrathin polymer fibers hybridized with bioactive ceramics: A review on fundamental pathways of electrospinning towards bone regeneration
Materials Science and Engineering: C, 123, 111853
10.1016/j.msec.2020.111853An experimental and theoretical approach on stability towards hydrolysis of triethyl phosphate and its effects on the microstructure of sol-gel-derived bioactive silicate glass
Materials Science and Engineering: C, 120, 111759
10.1016/j.msec.2020.111759In vitro and in vivo osteogenic potential of niobium-doped 45S5 bioactive glass: A comparative study
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials, 108(4), 1372-1387
10.1002/jbm.b.34486Evaluation of effectiveness of 45S5 bioglass doped with niobium for repairing critical-sized bone defect in in vitro and in vivo models
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A, 108(3), 446-457
10.1002/jbm.a.36826Investigation of citric acid-assisted sol-gel synthesis coupled to the self-propagating combustion method for preparing bioactive glass with high structural homogeneity
Materials Science and Engineering: C, 97, 669-678
10.1016/j.msec.2018.12.022Nanocellulose/bioactive glass cryogels as scaffolds for bone regeneration
Nanoscale, 11(42), 19842-19849
10.1039/c9nr05383bDevelopment of a reusable and sustainable biocatalyst by immobilization of soybean peroxidase onto magnetic adsorbent
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 114, 1279-1287
10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.03.136Novel eco-friendly biocatalyst: soybean peroxidase immobilized onto activated carbon obtained from agricultural waste
RSC Advances, 7(27), 16460-16466
10.1039/c7ra01309dH3PMo12O40/Agroindustry Waste Activated Carbon-Catalyzed Esterification of Lauric Acid with Methanol: A Renewable Catalytic Support
Waste and Biomass Valorization, 9(4), 669-679
10.1007/s12649-017-0012-0Facile and innovative method for bioglass surface modification: Optimization studies
Materials Science and Engineering: C, 72, 86-97
10.1016/j.msec.2016.11.044Electrically wired enzyme/TiO2 composite for glucose detection
Materials Science and Engineering: C, 76, 991-996
10.1016/j.msec.2017.03.113Graphene modified nanosized Ag electrocomposites
Materials Research Bulletin, 89, 42-50
10.1016/j.materresbull.2016.12.046Electrically Bloomed Platinum Nanoflowers on Exfoliated Graphene: An Efficient Alcohol Oxidation Catalyst
Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 163(10), D615-D621
10.1149/2.0821610jesHierarchical structures of beta-TCP/45S5 bioglass hybrid scaffolds prepared by gelcasting
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 62, 10-23
10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.04.028Composição vítrea bioativa e seu uso para regeneração óssea
Google Patents
Modified Zeolite with Transition Metals Cu and Fe for Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Medium: Mass Spectrometry Study
Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 10(3), 237-248
10.9767/bcrec.10.3.8624.237-248Silk fibroin hydroxyapatite composite thermal stabilisation of carbonic anhydrase
Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 3(38), 19282-19287
10.1039/c5ta05397hBiovidros derivados do 45S5: Os efeitos do Nb2O5 ou da modificação da superfície com Ca2+ sobre a estrutura e bioatividade
UNICAMP, Campinas
Hierarchical Stable Enzyme Microenvironments for High-Temperature Stability in Amine Solvents
Particle & Particle Systems Characterization, 31(10), 1091-1096
10.1002/ppsc.201400025Effect of Niobium Oxide on the Structure and Properties of Melt-Derived Bioactive Glasses
Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 97(12), 3843-3852
10.1111/jace.13222Structural Investigation of the Surface of Bioglass 45S5 Enriched with Calcium Ions
Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 96(5), 1464-1469
10.1111/jace.12305Catalysts based on clay and iron oxide for oxidation of toluene
Applied Clay Science, 51(3), 385-389
10.1016/j.clay.2010.12.007Incorporation of mineral phosphorus and potassium on leather waste (collagen): a new N(collagen)PK-fertilizer with slow liberation
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 176(1-3), 374-380
10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.11.040Modificação da superfície de vidros bioativos com íons cálcio e tratamento térmico
Dissertação, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas
Nb-containing hematites Fe2-Nb O3: The role of Nb5+ on the reactivity in presence of the H2O2 or ultraviolet light
Applied Catalysis A: General, 357(1), 79-84
10.1016/j.apcata.2009.01.014Collaborations
Strategic partnerships for regenerative orthopaedics and biomaterials translation.
BBLab connects ITA research infrastructure with clinical, engineering, and materials science partners in Brazil and abroad, supporting projects from biomaterial design to biological and preclinical evaluation.
International Research Group
BioTROCS - Biomedical Technologies for Regenerative Orthopaedics
BioTROCS is a joint initiative between The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust, Aston University, and the Aeronautics Institute of Technology (ITA), with João Henrique Lopes representing ITA in the collaboration.
The partnership formalizes years of joint work on advanced biomaterials, including gallium-based strategies for bone cancer and bone regeneration, and creates a framework for material exchange, shared facilities, and coordinated research communication.
R$ 2M+
active research investment
5 years
protocol term, renewable
3 parties
ITA, Aston, and ROH
Active project lines
- FAPESP 2022/03247-6 Nova Geração de Pesquisadores.
- CNPq 444922/2024-5 hybrid biodegradable injectable paste for dual therapy in bone cancer and tissue regeneration.
- Orthopaedic Research UK ECR24-015 Early Career Research Fellowship 2024.
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust
Clinical and translational orthopaedic partner supporting biological testing and alignment with real-world bone regeneration and bone cancer challenges.
Aston University
Engineering and physical sciences partner focused on manufacturing and characterization of melt-derived bioactive glasses.
Aeronautics Institute of Technology
BBLab leads sol-gel bioactive glass synthesis, polymer-glass composites, nanostructured biomaterials, and integrated biological evaluation.
INCT Nióbio Network
National and international network for niobium-based innovation, connected to UFMG and partner institutions across Brazil and abroad.
Brazil
United Kingdom
Canada
United States
France / Finland
Asia partners
Recurring scientific collaborators
The PI's publication record shows a sustained network across bioactive glasses, nanocellulose, biomacromolecules, bone regeneration, and spectroscopy.
Funding
Research supported by competitive Brazilian funding programs.
BBLab's current portfolio is organized around externally funded project lines that connect materials chemistry, biofabrication, and regenerative medicine.
2022/16643-7
Advanced bioactive glasses and ion-releasing biomaterials for tissue repair.
2022/03247-6
3D bioprinting scaffolds and biofabrication routes for regenerative medicine.
408482/2024-9
Polymer-ceramic composites and collaborative biomaterials infrastructure.
2023/07910-4
Multiuser FTIR infrastructure located at LEAM for molecular spectroscopy.
444922/2024-5
Network project on hybrid biodegradable injectable paste for bone cancer therapy and tissue regeneration.
ECR24-015
Early Career Research Fellowship supporting BioTROCS translational orthopaedic research.
EMU FAPESP
FTIR spectroscopy at LEAM with the Shimadzu IRTracer platform.
The EMU FAPESP page presents the FTIR spectrometer, FAPESP process, access policy, committees, user instructions, and scheduling channel.
Location
BBLab at ITA, Sao Jose dos Campos.
BBLab is located at the Instituto Tecnologico de Aeronautica (ITA), supporting research visits, facility access, and collaborative meetings in Sao Jose dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
Open in Google MapsContact
Collaborate with BBLab.
Connect with the Biomaterials and Biointerfaces Laboratory to discuss research collaborations, facility access, and student opportunities.