Infection-sensitive nanofibers powered by thermotropic liquid crystals for skin wound therapy
Grantee: Mariia Nesterkina, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland
Amount: DKK 876,551
Grant category: LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers
Year: 2025
Geography: Germany
Chronic and infected wounds remain a major challenge, often leading to delayed healing and extensive antibiotic use. The purpose of this project is to develop smart wound dressings made of nanofibers that mimic the skin’s natural extracellular matrix and contain thermotropic liquid crystals. When the wound temperature rises due to infection, these materials respond by changing color and releasing antibiotics. During a six-month research stay at the University of Copenhagen’s LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery, Dr. Mariia Nesterkina will combine expertise in liquid crystals and nanofiber technology to design, fabricate and test these infection-sensitive scaffolds. The expected output is a proof-of-concept wound dressing that both promotes healing and visibly indicates infection, offering a patient-friendly approach to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and improve wound care.