Development of a Multiplex Hydrogel Based on Bacterial Cellulose/Calcium Alginate: Continuous pH Monitoring and Sustained Release of the Antimicrobial Polyhexanide (PHMB)

• Grant number: 25/08319-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: February 01, 2026
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Marina de Lima Fontes
• Grantee: Marina de Lima Fontes
• Associated researchers: Denise Crispim Tavares ; Fernanda Lourenção Brighenti
• Associated scholarship(s): 26/06983-6 - Desenvolvimento de hidrogéis multiplex baseados em biocelulose/alginato de cálcio: monitoramento contínuo do pH e liberação sustentada do antimicrobiano Polihexanida (PHMB), BP.TT; 26/01243-4 - Development of a multiplex hydrogel based on bacterial cellulose/calcium alginate: continuous ph monitoring and sustained release of the antimicrobial polyhexanide (PHMB), BP.PIPE

Abstract

Chronic wounds, burns, and surgical incisions significantly impact patients' quality of life and place a substantial burden on healthcare systems. According to the Brazilian Diabetes Society, two amputations occur every minute, with 85% resulting from diabetic foot ulcers. Additionally, estimates indicate that by 2030, over 550 million individuals will have diabetes, and approximately 25% of them will experience significant foot complications. In response to this issue, the field of wound healing technologies and formulations has seen significant advancements, particularly with the emergence of multifunctional hydrogel-based dressings.Our company has already achieved promising results with its first technological formulation: a biocellulose hydrogel with alginate and calcium. This formulation ensures a moist, biocompatible environment while regulating exudate levels-properties that facilitate cell migration, proliferation, and tissue regeneration, all essential for efficient wound closure. Its adaptable nature and excellent spreadability also contribute to pain reduction and minimize discomfort during dressing changes. However, as the current formulation has not demonstrated significant in vivo re-epithelialization effects and has limitations in treating infected wounds, this project aims to enhance the hydrogel by incorporating multifunctional features. This includes the addition of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), an antimicrobial agent with a high therapeutic index and broad-spectrum activity against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and some viruses. Additionally, a pH indicator derived from red cabbage anthocyanins will be incorporated to enable continuous wound status monitoring-a crucial feature for clinical assessment and therapeutic effectiveness.The project seeks to generate precise, validated data on the efficacy of this multiplex biocellulose hydrogel in wound healing using in vitro models. Furthermore, the hydrogel's ability to exhibit color changes in response to a broad pH range will be evaluated through both in vitro assays. (AU)