Development of a diabetic 3D skin model

• Grant number: 24/07392-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Agreement: Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)
• Principal Investigator: Ana Carolina Migliorini Figueira
• Grantee: Monielle Santana Leal
• Host Institution: Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais (CNPEM). Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14725-6 - Sub3DSkin: Dermal substitute & 3D model for diabetic chronic skin wounds, AP.R

Abstract

Diabetic skin problems are considered serious in the health sector, with currently ineffective cures. In this project we will develop dressing models based on regenerative scaffolds (advanced materials) with the ability to promote skin healing in diabetic wounds. Furthermore, we will develop a skin model containing hypodermis, dermis and epidermis, and we will induce diabetic conditions in this model, to develop a non-clinical and in vitro model of diabetic skin. Molecularly defined scaffolds with 3D structure and composition with specific effector molecules will be tested in the diabetic skin model and the results will be validated through established preclinical tests. In addition, a diabetic skin model will be developed that promotes the reduction of animals in pre-clinical evaluations and advances in the areas of engineering, cell biology and disease models. The developed advanced dermal substitutes will be fully characterized and their therapeutic properties, which can be targeted at the multiple manifestations observed in diabetic wounds, will bring new solutions for patients with diabetes. The development of this technology has been considered a frontier in the development of regenerative medicine, with a direct impact on health, bringing major scientific and innovative advances.