Nano-POlySaccharides contaning Scaffolds with Controlled pOrosity and deGradability (n-POSSCOG)

Important results from the project

The project successfully developed 1) three grades of wood based nanocellulose and nanochitin which are compatible towards towards human cells. . 2) Electrospun mats for wound dressing application, with enhanced mechanical and moisture stability and which favours cell attachment and growth . 3) Porous scaffolds with hierarchical porosity based on nanocellulose, with enhanced mechanical and moisture stability and which favours chondrocytes attachment and growth wit potential use for cartilage repair . 4) Trained PhDs, and master students on this topic. ( See Övriga bilagor 2)

Expected long term effects

High return of investment in terms of research and development for academic partners as well as market development for industrial partners are expected in the coming years, due to the projects focus on high value biomedical products. For eg. R&D on biobased biomedical products; Education of master and doctoral students; increased competence which leads to continued participation in other national and EU projects in this research area . Medical grade nanocellulose based on cellulose; New biomedical products and new generation of high value product from Swedish natural resources.

Approach and implementation

The project was sucessful in devloping new biomedical products with commercial potential. There is however a gap between ´ lab to market´ which can be addressed through the following steps: 1.Optimization of the process to customise end-user specific performance of the scaffolds (Domsjo/ LTU in collboration with SME/industry) 2. IP protection and technology transfer ( LTU / VINNOVA) , 3. In vivo and in vitro evaluation of the products to understand long term performance and safety (SME / industry), 4. Preclinical and Clinical studies (Hospitals / medical practitioners).