Project Leader: Prof. Dr. Hab. Alina Sionkowska
Natural Resource-Based Solutions for Biomedical Applications
The NatBioMed project (NATural and BIO-based formulations for MEDical applications) is closely linked to current research needs and societal trends regarding sustainable products and environmental care. Driven by growing public awareness of environmental and health issues, the demand for natural and bio-based products is increasing daily. The main goal of the project is to utilize the potential of natural resources to address global health challenges and promote sustainable practices in health and beauty.
Within the proposed project, we will apply natural products of plant, microbiological, or animal origin, considering their biological activity, and using innovative, modern, low-emission technologies for their extraction, characterization, and application in biomedical and cosmetic industries. Food and agricultural waste will be used not only in cosmetic and medical applications but also for packaging design, contributing to greater environmental sustainability. NatBioMed encompasses natural resource-based solutions for producing new biologically derived products for health protection and for designing biomedical (dressings, implants) and cosmetic formulations. By using natural compounds, the project will support sustainable ecosystem management. The application of innovative active compound extraction technologies will increase their availability. By utilizing natural and bio-based polymers, the project will reduce micro- and nanoplastics and improve water, soil, and air quality.
The project will also focus on the impact of biodiversity on the health of humans, animals, and plants, as well as on mitigating environmental pollutants such as nanoplastics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and hormone residues. The project will engage experts from various fields and aims to develop innovative, science-based solutions for contemporary environmental challenges and holistic health care.
Project Goals and Horizontal Collaboration
- Extraction of biopolymers and other valuable compounds from plants and food waste, and processing them into cosmetic and medical products: creams, facial masks, dressings, implants, etc. (Fields: chemistry, pharmacy).
- Solutions in molecular modeling and artificial intelligence (AI) for formulation and production (Fields: pharmacy, physics).
- Study of biological properties and interactions with living organisms (Fields: biology, medicine, veterinary science).
- Impact of waste reduction on ecosystem management (Fields: biology, geography).
- Study of human thinking, feelings, and behavior regarding natural and biological solutions, and their effect on human and animal well-being (Fields: psychology, sociology).
- Economic and regulatory aspects of solutions based on sustainable use of natural resources (Fields: economics, law).
Collaborating Institutions:
- Colorado State University, USA
- George Mason University, USA
- University of Miyazaki, Japan
- University of Munster, Germany
- University of Porto, Portugal
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
- Laval University, Canada
- Tomas Bata University, Czech Republic
- University of Genoa, Italy
- Vellore Institute of Technology, India
- University of Bordeaux, France
- University of Le Havre Normandie, France
- University of Bristol, UK
- JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru, India