Development of antioxidant-loaded dermal formulations for diabetic wound healing
Investigate the development of antioxidant-loaded dermal gels to improve healing in diabetic wounds. Develop novel biomaterials and validate efficacy in a 3D diabetic wound model mimicking inflammatory conditions. Explore targeted treatments addressing oxidative stress and promoting tissue regeneration.
AI-generated overview
Project Description
Project Overview
Diabetic wounds and pressure ulcers affect millions globally, with limited treatments leading to severe complications. This project explores antioxidant-loaded dermal gels incorporating agents such as hydrogen sulfide donors, withaferin-A, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to enhance angiogenesis and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, key factors delaying diabetic wound healing.
What You Will Do
Develop and characterise antioxidant-loaded biocompatible gels using texture analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Establish a 3D diabetic skin model mimicking hyperglycaemic and inflammatory conditions with co-cultured human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. Assess compound release via HPLC-UV, evaluate safety with cell viability assays, and test wound healing efficacy by measuring wound closure rates and inflammatory marker expression.
Expected Outcomes
The project expects to deliver stable and effective antioxidant dermal gels that promote tissue repair mechanisms in diabetic wounds. Validation of the 3D skin model will facilitate testing of therapeutic potential and safety, producing a platform for future clinical application of enhanced wound healing treatments.
Why This Matters
Improving diabetic wound healing is critical to reducing the high burden of chronic wounds leading to infection, amputation, and social dysfunction. This research could enable novel, targeted antioxidant therapies that address underlying oxidative stress and inflammation, delivering meaningful patient benefits worldwide.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr. Mandeep Marwah is a researcher at Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences focusing on biomedical approaches to wound healing, particularly diabetic ulcers. Her work involves developing novel therapeutic formulations and in vitro models to study disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in biomaterials and cellular biology.