Unleashing Nature's Potential: Using Grape Skin Extract and
Sustainable Materials for Advanced Chronic Wound Therapy

Project title: Unleashing Nature Potential: Using Grape Skin Extract and Sustainable Materials for Advanced Chronic Wound Therapy

Acronym: GraSP_MAT

Participating Scientific and Research Organizations:
Institute for Information Technologies, University of Kragujevac (IITKG),
Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac (FMSUKG).

Principal Investigator (PI): Edina Avdović

Studies suggest that grape skins originating from the Šumadija region exhibit elevated levels of polyphenolic compounds possessing excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. A main task of GraSP_MAT is the extraction and preservation of bioactive compounds from grape skins of the indigenous grape varieties and their incorporation in the form of extracts into natural polymer-based hydrogels which will be employed in the advanced treatment of chronic wounds.

GraSP_MAT project introduces and tests a novel solution for chronic wound (CW) therapy: antioxidant and antimicrobial hydrogels with controlled release of grape skin extract’s bioactive compounds, which will promote rapid wound healing. The novelty of the GraSP_MAT concept reflects in providing eco-friendly and financially feasible bioactive hydrogels which would accelerate wound healing, significantly improve the patients’ quality of life, and reduce burden on the healthcare system. GraSP_MAT represent a safer alternative in CW management compared to available treatment strategies and propose a novel circular economy solution for valorisation of grape skins which remain as waste from the wine industry.

The GraSP_MAT initiative will facilitate the integration of Serbian capabilities in research, development, and innovation into worldwide patterns. The novel concept of transforming waste into hydrogels for wound will propel this research to the forefront of international endeavours to implement biotechnological remedies for the purpose promoting sustainability in various sectors, primarily medicine and pharmacy.

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Оbjectives of GraSP_MAT

Bioactive compounds

Preparation of water-ethanol extracts from indigenous varieties (cultivated in Šumadija region) of grape skins and their selection for further utilization as a source of bioactive compounds. The most suitable extracts will be selected based on their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Bioactive hydrogels

Development of bioactive hydrogels with controlled release of extract compounds. Tailored bioactive hydrogels with excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and controlled release of bioactive compounds will be obtained by using grape skin extracts following clean technology and green chemistry principles.

In vivo assessment

In vivo assessment of safety and wound healing properties of developed bioactive hydrogels on rats having diabetic wounds. Underlying the mechanisms responsible for wound repair by using novel bioactive hydrogels. Investigation of irritation potential of bioactive hydrogels. 

Program PROMIS, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Grant No 11067

Program PROMIS, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Grant No 11067

Jovana Cvijića bb
34000 Kragujevac
Serbia

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Working hours

Working week
08:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Sunday
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