PROJECT R&D+I

TITLE
SILK SERICIN-BASED HYDROGEL, METHODS AND USES THEREOF
NOVEL SERICIN-BASED HYDROGEL FOR WOUND CARE, A BY-PRODUCT OF TEXTILE
INDUSTRY

HIGHLIGHTS
European and international patent application for a biomaterial: silk sericin hydrogel for
wound treatment. Biomaterial with properties relevant to wound healing and skin
regeneration.

ABSTRACT
This project compreends the filing of a PCT application via WIPO claiming a Portuguese priority
(PT 109525) and the entry into the national and regional phases (European and US patents),
specifically related to novel silk sericin hydrogels and the method of producing the same, for use
as medical device product for the treatment of wounds or as cosmetic/pharmaceutical product.
Among the new generation of natural-based biopolymers being proposed for wound healing and
skin regeneration, silk proteins (fibroin and sericin) are particularly interesting due to their
exceptional properties such as biocompatibility, oxygen and water vapour permeability,
antioxidant activity, enzymatic degradability, processing versatility and the diversity of side chain
chemistries available for decoration.
The biomaterial obtained with this technology besides all the biological potential in wound care, is
an effective way to valorise a by-product of textile industry.
The hydrogel should be licensing to companies of the pharmaceutical industry, preferable huge
companies specialist in wound care. Other pipeline products could be employed in different areas,
such as cosmetic, veterinary, for cell culture studies (as cell supplement).

KEYWORDS
Patent, PCT, Biomaterial, Hydrogel, Wound Treatment, Wound Healing

PROMOTERS / PARTNERS
Escola Superior de Biotecnologia Universidade Catlica Portuguesa (coordinator)

FINANCING PROGRAM EXECUTION DATE GLOBAL BUDGET

Innovation agency (ADI) 2017-2020 44 162,00

CONTACTS E-MAIL PHONE

Ana Oliveira aloliveira@porto.ucp.pt +351 22 558 0001