Luigi Musciacchio

Former visiting PhD student (University of Trieste, Italy)

Development and characterization of electrospun polymeric membranes with antibacterial properties for ureteral regeneration

 

Supervisor in Trieste: Prof. Gianluca Turco (University of Trieste, Italy)

Supervisor in Erlangen: Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini (FAU)

Pathological conditions such as infections, cancer, inflammation, or iatrogenic lesions, can hinder the correct functionality of the ureter and its structural integrity. A promising strategy is the production of tubular polymeric scaffolds using the electrospinning technique, with the aim to mimic the architecture and morphology of the native ureter. Therefore, the project will focus on the synthesis of tubular scaffolds endowed with antibacterial moieties, as rifampicin or silver nanoparticles. The mechanical characterization, hydraulic seal, and biological performance, in terms of cell adhesion and proliferation, will be characterized. The antibacterial efficacy will be tested against the bacterial strains specific of the urinary tract infections and medical device-related infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.