Cutting-edge nanotechnology to boost wound healing
Every year, millions of patients worldwide receive skin grafts because of severe burns, sports injuries or diabetic wounds, often accompanied by detrimental complications. Such treatments are painful for patients and expensive for the healthcare system. A nanoparticle paste is now promising relief.
We talked to Tino Matter, Pioneer Fellow and founder of anavo medical.
Tino, what effect does your technology have on slow-healing wounds?
There are often complications in wound healing due to infections, inflammations, lack of blood supply, advanced age or patient’s previous illnesses. Our technology can make treatment safer, more efficient, and cheaper for patients. We produce inorganic nanoparticles that have local antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects to create a healthy wound environment. In addition, our studies have shown that the particles can stimulate the formation of blood vessels, which leads to better blood supply and thus better wound healing.
Are there similar products on the market? In what areas can your technology be applied?
In the field of biological products for wound healing, there is extensive research worldwide. Such products are often expensive and difficult to use. We take a completely different approach because we work with metal oxides, which are easier to handle than biological products. Our product also has the advantage that it does not need to be refrigerated, is manufactured reproducibly and straightforward to use, which in turn saves time and money. We are currently in the process of protecting the technology with patents.
At the same time, we are investigating for which applications in wound healing the nanoparticle paste works best. While we have focused on skin transplants so far, we are also interested in other types of wounds, such as chronic wounds.
Our aim is to raise the standard of care for wound patients by ensuring faster healing and preventing complications.
Who are your customers? Do you have existing co-operations?
For the past two years, we have been working with the Inselspital in Bern for several studies. We also regularly talk to surgeons in various clinics to ensure that our product hits a nerve. We would like to get in touch with other clinics that are interested in our technology and wish to develop it further with us.
What are your plans for 2020/2021?
Thanks to the 18-month Pioneer Fellowship programme, we now have time to work with doctors to find the optimal formulation and way of application. Within the next two years, we intend to start human trials.
A further milestone will be incorporation in 2021. We are currently talking to investors who believe in our technology. We also plan to expand our team, in particular for regulatory and quality management.
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With the help of the Pioneer Fellowship Programme, funded by the ETH Foundation, young researchers can develop innovative products and services based on their scientific work at ETH Zurich. A Pioneer Fellowship is awarded to young ETH entrepreneurial minds intending to develop a highly innovative product or service to be exploited commercially and/or for the benefit of society.
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