Projects / Programmes
Combination of advanced techniques of 3D printing, electrospinning and spin-coating with the support of active substances (analgesics, cells, growth factors) for development of novel materials for effective chronic wound care
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.04.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Materials science and technology |
Polymer materials |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P000 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
analgeisic drugs, growth factors, biocompatibility, electrospinning, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, model films, wound healing, 3D (bio) printing
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
33260 |
PhD Tina Maver |
Medical sciences |
Head |
2017 - 2019 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
This project goes beyond the state-of-the-art in various fields by combing the most advanced techniques in materials science (3D printing of bio-materials, nanofiber manufacturing by electrospinning and model film preparation by spin-coating), sophisticated approaches in pharmaceutical technology (with the incorporation of analgesics and growth factors) and follows recent trends in biomedical applications (modern in vitro testing of release, evaluation of wound healing physiology, and functional human derived cell testing). Such an interdisciplinary approach will lead to substantial findings in the development of biomaterials for wound care, as well as in the field of controlled release of active substances.
Scaffolds for wound care will be prepared by 3D (bio) printing of the currently most promising materials for wound care, exhibiting a proven positive effect on healing (alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polycaprolactone etc.). The in-situ incorporation of human skin cells will follow. An additional layer of nanofibrous network prepared by electrospinning will be applied on the surface of the 3D scaffold. Through the incorporation of active substances into the nanofibrous network, we will provide another functionality to the new material, namely pharmacotherapeutic activity (pain relief either through the nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac or through local anesthetics (LA) lidocaine and bupivacaine). At the same time, the as-prepared 3D constructs will also influence the healing process on the molecular level, which will be achieved through the addition of growth factors, such as the platelet delivered growth factor (PDGF) and the fibroblastic growth factor (FGF). The electrospun nanofibres will have a positive effect on the healing process on three levels: 1) They will relief the pain (through active pharmacotherapy), which promotes the healing process through stress reduction, 2) The growth factors will positively affect the healing process directly, and 3) through the similar structure and morphology of the electrospun nanofiber mesh with the skins native extracellular matrix (ECM). A systematic characterization of the manufactured materials will be conducted using various methods. Finally, the determination of the safety and effectiveness of the prepared materials will be performed using human skin derived cell cultures. Verification and understanding of the processes and interactions between the polymeric materials and the incorporated active components as well as the polymeric materials and its physiological environment in the wound, will be obtained through preparation of model films, prepared by spin coating of the same material compositions as used for the 3D printed materials. QCM-D, SPR, AFM and IR methods will be used to characterize the model films also in simulated physiological environments of the wound (simulation of conditions in wounds).
Despite being a basic scientific project at its core, this project will nevertheless be directed towards designing patentable advanced materials, which could in the future significantly improve the quality of life of patients, suffering from chronic wounds. With an upgrade of the basic conclusions gained from the biocompatibility studies at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (IBS), which is led by assist. prof. dr. Uroš Maver, MPharm, and with the possibility to continue the research with clinical studies under the professional supervision of prof. dr. Dragica Maja Smrke, MD, the head of the Clinical department for Surgical infections at the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, publication of the project results in highly acclaimed scientific journals is beyond doubt. The preparation of novel prototype materials for chronic wound treatment, as well as the preparation of all necessary document for the application of a clinical study, leading to a possible product commercialization in the future, will be targeted as well.
Significance for science
The project is very broad conceived and therefore we expect many articles and other scientific contributions.
In the first work package (WP), which will focus on the development of 3D printed scaffolds with embedded cells, we plane to prepare several new recipes for different materials, suitable for 3D (bio) printing with cells. Here we expect at least one patent application. Namely over the training for use the new 3D (bio) printer, we got information that is very little done regarding of 3D printed hydrogels. The latest are highly potential in the field of wound healing therefore development of hydrogel, suitable for 3D printing could greatly contribute in economic (patenting, patent selling), as in scientific terms (article - expected high citations).
In the second WP will be the main subject electrospinning of different nano-fibers without and with included several active substances (analgesic drugs, growth factors). Evaluation of preparation of such different solutions for electrospinning will result in an article. Further, we will get a lot of new experience on the field of electrospinning, which will be useful for our further research.
In vitro testing of the safety and efficacy of 3D printed scaffolds, electrospuned nano-fibers and combination of both will be the topic of the third WP. That WP will result in many publishable data. Biocompatibility studies will enable us to publish results in journals with higher IF. Further, such studies will closer our developed material to clinical studies. Therefore, we would be able to do a lot in the scientific terms, also for economy and through improvement of quality of life of patients with wounds especially in social terms.
The overall result of the first three WPs will result in the new material for wound healing, which could represent a revolution in the field of regenerative medicine. Namely all of mentioned positive factors for wound healing were not combined in one material yet. All in vitro results (safety and efficacy) and possible pilot results of clinic studies would enable us to prepare good publications on medicinal field.
In the fourth WP will be performed completely basic research, which will result in very important results of interactions (material/material, material/active substances) on the nano/molecular-scale. We are planning at least one scientific publication from these results.
All results will be presented at several international conferences, through which we will be able to expand the scientific network and increase the possibility for new bilateral and EU project applications.
Significance for the country
In the case of positive results of in vitro studies of safety and efficacy, we will prepare an application for the Commission Office for Medical Ethics. Furthermore, we will prepare protocols for clinical studies under the supervision of prof. dr. Dragica Maja Smrke. Due to combination of several components in our designed material, for which was already proven positive effect on wound healing, we don’t doubt the positive outcome of clinical studies. The preparation of patent will followed and thereafter we hope to lunch the product on the market through cooperation with industry.
Possible launch of such a product on the market would mean the most good for patients with chronic wounds. Due to the significant reduction of pain and shorten healing time, their quality of life would greatly improve. Last but not least, the use of such product could at long-term mean a reduction in the costs for treatment of chronic wound.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
