Ana Aguiar Ricardo

MIT-Portugal Bioengineering Systems, NOVA University of Lisbon

Ph.D. Student - Bioengineering Systems from MIT-Portugal Program, Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal

2009-2011: Master on Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

2006-2009: Graduation on Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

Research interests

Development of membranes toward the ideal wound dressing

In the treatment of burns, donor site wounds, skin ulcers, and surgical wounds, immediate coverage of wound beds with dressings is mandatory for rapid and proper healing. Despite advances in wounds management, the mortality rate continues to be high and the search for economical and easily available topical measures to control wound infection continues. Invariably, many of different methods applied for local treatment are still controversial.

The main goal of this thesis is the development of polymeric membranes to be used as wound dressings using two different techniques: supercritical CO2 (scCO2) assisted phase inversion technique and electrospinning. Based on these techniques, dry, clean and ready-to-use membranes with highly controlled morphology suitable for the treatment of skin wounds can be obtained. The membranes are characterized in terms of morphology, biodegradability, water uptake ability, elasticity, gases exchange and cytotoxicity. Model drugs (as ibuprofen) and antimicrobial agents are also loaded into membranes.

Advisors: Professors Ana Aguiar-Ricardo and Ilídio J. Correia