The proposed research aims to tackle the huge societal demand for treating certain malfunctioning organs and/or tissues. Given the similarity in chemical structure and topography, hydrogel materials are a prime candidate while developing new materials for these applications. In the proposed research, different polymer types (biopolymers, synthetic polymers and combinations of both) and different polymer processing techniques (3D printing, electrospinning, ...) will be applied with the aim to serve various applications including but not limited to orthopaedic, ocular and wound care.

All materials will be subjected to an indepth analysis going from chemical structure determination (IR, NMR) over molar mass determination (through GPC) to mechanical property analysis. The obtained results will feedback to the development of more performing materials. 

The requested basic research funding will be applied for supporting multiple scientists involved in this research.