Projects / Programmes
Bioactive, in situ modified, fibrous membranes based on bacterial cellulose: processing, characterisation and assessment of biomedical potential
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.14.02 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Textile and leather |
Textile chemistry |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.05 |
Engineering and Technology |
Materials engineering |
bacterial cellulose, bio textile, acetic acid bacteria, carbon source, protein-peptide conjugates, microparticles, biomedical application
Researchers (19)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
Bacterial Cellulose (BC) is an ultrafine, nanofibrillar material, produced by acetic acid bacteria strains, offering an exclusive combination of properties (high crystallinity and surface area, purity, flexibility and tensile strength, water holding capacity, etc.). According to ProMarket Research, the global market of BC was valued at ~ 225 M EUR in 2017, with the expectation to reach ~ 600 M EUR by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 13.3% during 2018-2025. The biosynthesis of BC conforms fully to green chemistry principles, fitting well with the goals of the circular economy, waste minimisation and reuse, all highlighting the importance of engaging effort in BC production and utilisation, especially in high value markets, such as medical. However, BC production is highly expensive; the major costs are allocated to processing media and the carbon source (accounting for 30%). The industrial and agricultural wastes and by-products have been proposed as more economical alternatives. Another significant drawback of BC is its lack of bioactivity, being essential for medical application, for which diverse modification pathways are proposed. Within this context, the project aims to develop bioactive, nanofibrillar membrane based on BC as a new bio textile for biomedical application, i) Utilising grape pomace waste from wine production as an alternative carbon source and ii) Including innovative bioactive protein-peptide conjugates, in situ (during BC cultivation) The bioactive conjugate will be prepared by covalent coupling of the antimicrobial agent nisin and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein, forming a protein-peptide conjugate with improved stability and antimicrobial activity, in free-form, or in the form of microparticles. While the selection of ECM protein will secure an initially positive cell response, the rationality behind using nisin as a GRAS- regulated antimicrobial peptide is its activity against pathogenic oral bacteria, which elevates the potential for future translational study. Two demonstrators will justify the relevance for specific application in regenerative medicine, as an antimicrobial membrane for periodontal defect treatment. The same will encompass the complementary cytotoxicity testing using human cell lines, the antimicrobial activity testing against pathogenic oral bacteria (related to periodontal disease), degradation, as well as the mineralisation aspect of the membranes. The project fits well to the National and EU political frameworks: 1) To thematic priority of 2 clusters within the second pillar of the Horizon Europe framework (2021-2028 period), which considers bio economy and natural resources from one side and health on another, and 2) To the Slovenian Development Strategy (to 2030), where a Highly productive economy creates added value for all, and an Inclusive, healthy, safe and responsible society are 2 orientations where the topic belongs. The success of this trans-disciplinary project is guaranteed by the topic-related expertise and complementary knowledge of the research teams, the FS and FERI in Material Science and Chemistry, FNM in Biotechnology and Microbiology, and MF in Cell and Molecular biology. Direct impact is foreseen by i) Revalorisation of grape waste from the wine industry as an alternative carbon source in BC culture media and ii) The development of new, BC-based bio textile as a whole platform for products with high added value. The dissemination of gained knowledge and results through scientific papers, innovation(s) or patent(s) and presentations at world-recognised international conferences will contribute to institutional recognition, improving international and interdisciplinary collaborations. Indirect benefit is foreseen by the establishment of cooperation between research groups, gaining experience in the realisation of such interdisciplinary study and forming a basis for future research activities. Nonetheless, the post-project translational study, as a long t
