We are pleased to announce the launch of the PRELUDIUM project entitled: "Green" Bioactive Dual-Layer Dressing for Controlled Neurotrophin and Analgesic Release to Support Nerve Regeneration in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common compression neuropathies, affecting even 5% of the population. Although surgical decompression of the median nerve effectively relieves symptoms, for many patients the healing process is prolonged and painful, and nerve regeneration remains incomplete. Currently, there is a lack of surgical dressings that simultaneously support nerve regeneration, relieve pain, and protect the wound from infections. The aim of this project is to develop a modern, smart dressing composed of hydrogel and electrospun nanofibers that fulfills all these three functions.
Hydrogels are soft, flexible polymeric materials composed mainly of water. Thanks to their structure, hydrogels can absorb and retain fluids while being gentle to tissues. These properties make them suitable for applications such as wound treatment, drug delivery systems, and medical materials supporting the regeneration of the body. On the other hand, electrospinning allows the fabrication of long, thin fibers with diameters in the nanometer scale. Their high surface-to-volume ratio makes them ideal drug carriers. The nanofibers will be designed to impart photoresponsive properties.
The research will include the synthesis and characterization of each layer independently, followed by their integration into a single therapeutic system and in vitro validation. The studies will assess, among others, morphology, internal structure, mechanical properties (compression or tensile strength), drug release profile, biocompatibility, neuroregenerative and antibacterial activity, and the nanofibers' response to radiation. The goal is to achieve a synergistic effect that supports nerve regeneration, reduces the need for oral pain medications, and minimizes the frequency of dressing changes for wound disinfection. This approach will help limit common postoperative complications.
The project is distinguished by its use of "green chemistry" (biocompatible and biodegradable materials and mild synthesis conditions), diverse therapeutic mechanisms of action, and responsiveness to external stimuli such as radiation. This is a pioneering approach—previous solutions have primarily focused on individual functions (e.g., nerve regeneration or pain relief) rather than integrating them into one bioactive dressing.
The expected outcome of the project is the development of an innovative therapeutic platform that can be applied not only in the treatment of CTS but also in other peripheral neuropathies and hard-to-heal surgical wounds. This solution has the potential to improve patients’ quality of life, accelerate their return to professional activity, and reduce healthcare costs.
