Chronic, non-healing wounds, especially in elderly and diabetic patients, pose significant challenges to healthcare due to prolonged healing, high costs and frequent infections. Current treatments are based on conventional dressings and antibiotics, which are increasingly limited by microbial resistance. The interdisciplinary MEDIC project aims to develop durable, cellulose-based hydrogels containing metal nanoparticles (Ag, ZnO) as antibacterial wound dressings using environmentally friendly synthesis methods. Over a period of 12 months, the project will produce and characterize hydrogel composites based on DMAc/LiCl and NaOH, by dissolving nanoparticles via chemical reduction and phytosynthesis. Key activities include optimization of nanoparticle content and distribution, evaluation of mechanical properties and in vitro testing against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The most effective hydrogel formulation will be prototyped into a functional dressing suitable for further testing and potential scale-up. Expected outcomes include well-characterized hydrogel composites, a reproducible prototype, comprehensive physicochemical and antimicrobial data sets, and scientific dissemination through publications and conference presentations. 

Project Objective
The main objective of the project is to develop sustainable biomedical materials for wound care by developing cellulose hydrogel dressings with antibacterial properties, reinforced with green synthesized metal nanoparticles.

Project Objectives
1. Production and characterization of antibacterial hydrogels. During the first 6-8 months, composite hydrogels from metal nanoparticles will be prepared using the Turkevich method and phytoreduction approaches. Characterization of their physicochemical and mechanical properties and evaluation of antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as pathogenic fungi. The target content of nanoparticles is 0.5-2% with a size of 10 to 100 nm, to ensure effective antimicrobial activity.
2. Prototyping of the most effective formulation. Within 9-12 months, select and develop a hydrogel formulation that demonstrates the highest antibacterial efficacy and creates a reproducible material suitable for further testing and potential scale-up.
 

Expected impact and benefits for target groups
The interdisciplinary project addresses the needs of several stakeholders, including the scientific community, industry and public health. It will create a rich experimental database on cellulose-based hydrogels and their functional composites, providing valuable information to the scientific community and stimulating discussions that contribute to the development of knowledge at the interface of chemistry, medicine, technology and biochemistry. For industry stakeholders, a well-characterized prototype, along with process documentation, economic assessments, and diagrams, will provide a basis for evaluating potential uses and planning for future scale-up.
From a public health perspective, antimicrobial cellulose dressings with improved absorbency reduce the frequency of dressing changes, accelerate wound healing, reduce complication rates, and reduce treatment costs, especially for elderly patients and those with chronic wounds.
For the general public, the project results and significance will be disseminated through targeted posts on LinkedIn (profile with 450+ highly relevant professional connections) and other professional and social platforms, highlighting the connection to BAU and its research activities. The aim of these communications is to raise awareness of the project results, its potential impact on health and biomedical materials, and its societal importance. The MEDIC project will also strengthen existing collaborations and establish new links between BAU and international research groups, expanding the network of stakeholders involved in biomedical materials and polymers research.
 

Public Health
Antimicrobial dressings reduce complications and treatment costs.