Project

Co-extrusion electrospinning as novel tool for the next generation wound dressings: taking ultimate control over the dressing mechanical and release properties.

Code
3E012717
Duration
01 October 2017 → 30 September 2020
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Inorganic chemistry
    • Organic chemistry
    • Theoretical and computational chemistry
    • Other chemical sciences
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Immunology
    • Immunology
    • Microbiology
    • Immunology
  • Engineering and technology
    • Process engineering
    • Ceramic and glass materials
    • Materials science and engineering
    • Polymeric materials
    • Semiconductor materials
    • Other materials engineering
Keywords
antibacterial wound dressing electrospinning polysaccharides polymers
 
Project description

In the present project, novel hydrogel-based wound dressings will be developed exhibiting antibacterial properties. To date, two critical issues associated with wound dressings are to be tackled: the inferior mechanical properties and the uncontrolled release of bio-active compounds. The starting materials for developing novel wound dressings will include polysaccharides (i.e. alginate and chitosan) for controlling the moisture content of the wound and an acrylate-endcapped urethane-based polymer (AUP) to improve the mechanical properties while controlling the iodine content and subsequent release through complexation. The polysaccharides will be modified with methacrylate moieties to create mechanically robust covalently cross-linked networks. The backbone of the AUP will be varied to introduce pH- and T-responsiveness. These ‘smart’ polymers will aid in the complexation and controlled release of iodine. The combinatory constructs of AUP and polysaccharides will be processed into wound dressings using co-extrusion electrospinning. The obtained polymers and scaffolds will be subjected to  an in-depth characterization using state of the art devices. The in vitro biocompatibility will be investigated using cell viability assays. We anticipate that these novel ‘smart’ electrospun hydrogels will give rise to unprecedented opportunities in the field of wound healing.