Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia – Proof of Concept Project, 2024–2025
Design of Resveratrol and Selenium Nanoparticle-Based Formulation for Topical Application – RESENAP, #14980
Motivation
Infections caused by the penetration of pathogens through superficial wounds, as well as the increasing resistance of bacteria to commercially available antibiotics, are global issues requiring alternative approaches. Providing adequate protection and preventing such infections is particularly challenging in patients with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, those confined to healthcare institutions, and individuals with limited mobility, where the dosing and frequency of wound treatment pose major obstacles. The RESENAP project is designed to address these challenges by developing an innovative, multi-component system in the form of a hydrogel based on naturally derived ingredients.
Objective
The main goal of the RESENAP project is to determine all the necessary parameters for producing a collagen and/or alginate-based hydrogel that will release therapeutic doses of active components—resveratrol nanoparticles and selenium nanoparticles—in a controlled manner. Our previous research has demonstrated that resveratrol nanoparticles exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity, while selenium nanoparticles have shown strong antimicrobial activity against strains frequently found in hospital-acquired infections. RESENAP focuses on identifying the best way to simultaneously and maximally utilize these activities in order to prevent infections and promote the healing of treated wounds through their combined effects.
Expected Outcome
The final product of the RESENAP project will be an advanced solution for the treatment of superficial wounds, developed using cost-effective production methods and ingredients. After establishing the data required to predict therapeutic doses and the release time of medicinal substances from the hydrogels, this universal agent could be applied to various types of wounds, regardless of their size, shape, or origin (e.g., minor burns, post-surgical wounds, cannula or catheter insertion sites, etc.). Particularly relevant applications include use in patients with weakened immune systems, such as oncology patients or individuals with HIV, where frequent medical interventions increase the risk of infection.