Marshell Ferraz

 PhD student (in co-tutelle with Federal University of Santa Catarina – UFSC)

Biomaterial structures made by melt electrowriting (MEW) for treating diabetic foot ulcers

 

Supervisor in Brazil: Dr. Ana Paula Serafini Immich Boemo (Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, UFSC)

Supervisor in Erlangen: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Diabetic foot is a serious complication in diabetes, resulting from neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. It leads to ulcer formation due to loss of sensation and reduced blood flow, making patients prone to undetected injuries. Untreated ulcers can progress to infections or even amputation. This research aims to develop a functional dressing for non-healing wounds in diabetic feet using MEW (melt electro writing) with PCL, coated with hydrophilic polymers, and incorporating natural biomolecules for antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting tissue regeneration.