GRANULAR HYDROGEL TECHNOLOGY AS WOUND DRESSINGS AND BIOINKS FOR ADVANCED BIOPRINTED SKIN MODELS

• Grant number: 25/22122-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: January 30, 2026
• End date: January 29, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
• Grantee: Fernanda Barroso Peixoto
• Supervisor: Stephanie Willerth
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Victoria (UVic), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/09318-8 - Technological aspects for the production of 3D granular structures with potential application in the dermis: from microgel formation to bioprinting, BP.DR

Abstract

Wound healing remains a significant clinical challenge, particularly in the treatment of chronic and complex skin injuries. In this context, tissue engineering offers promising strategies through the development of biomaterials that can support and enhance the regenerative process. In this sense, this study will focus on training in 3D bioprinting and co-culture techniques for layered skin models, and the integration of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) granular dressings into the skin model. Structural, mechanical, and biochemical properties will be characterized, alongside biological assays assessing fibroblast and keratinocyte viability, migration, and expression of wound healing markers. In addition, granular bioinks will be formulated and optimized for direct bioprinting of 3D skin equivalents. Overall, this work is expected to advance granular hydrogel technology for skin regeneration and contribute to the development of next generation wound healing platforms.