FINAL PUBLISHABLE SUMMARY REPORT

Executive summary SMILEY project intended to apply a bio-inspired assembling/mineralization process (MIAO) to a wide number of macromolecular matrices with the purpose to generate new smart devices with application in several high-impact fields. The process was previously well assessed on collagen molecules: under physiological conditions and by pH variation, collagen fibrils assemble into thicker fibres and undergo mineralization with biomimetic apatite nanophases, thus generating fibrous scaffolds for bone and osteochondral regeneration with outstanding mimicry of the host tissues, and high regenerative ability. The MIAO process is entirely driven by the information and control mechanisms inherent in the molecular structure of collagen and by the features of biomimetic apatites that nucleate in specific molecular loci present in the collagen structure, thus reproducing the biological phenomena of the formation and mineralization of hard connective tissues in mammals. SMILEY intended to translate this process towards wider applications, by exploiting the ability of natural polymers and fibres to expose functional groups enhancing chemical, or physical, mutual interaction. This opens to the generation of macromolecular composite matrices where bio-inspired mineralization may occur. In this respect, apatites are a family of minerals exhibiting a variety of properties, as induced by the ions present in its lattice. Therefore SMILEY aimed to direct and tailor MIAO processes to the generation of hybrid composites with designed properties for multiple, high impact applications in the environmental, health and safety fields. Particularly, SMILEY aimed to response to relevant socio-economic needs such as: i) the filtration of nanoparticles in critical size range, ii) the regeneration of dental tissues such as periodontium and dentine and, iii) the production of energy by wearable, low cost devices. SMILEY focused its activity in the selection and modification of natural polymers and fibres to create macromolecular matrices with designed properties. The association of polymers with different hydrophilic ability enabled the synthesis of 3D constructs with ability to recover and manage the moisture, for application in healthcare as Heat Moisture Exchanger devices (HME). Bio-inspired mineralization with apatite phases was carried out in compliance with the requirements for the final devices. Therefore, biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the whole periodontium and the dentine were developed and biologically tested, thus opening to new possible solutions for regeneration of the whole tooth. A new apatite phase with photoelectronic properties was developed and firstly nucleated onto natural fibres to obtain photo-active fibrous elements that were incorporated into flexible devices able to produce energy. Ironsubstituted hydroxyapatite nanophase was developed and tested in all the three application lines to exploit its properties, by means of hyperthermia, possibly activating thermophoretic effects in filters, cell stimulation towards enhanced bone formation, and possible electronic properties. The MIAO processes yielding the three different devices were analysed to draw preliminary roadmaps for the development of flexible production lines for the manufacturing of smart devices for mass applications in relevant socio-economic fields.