The Institute of Technology and Research (ITP) has developed a membrane that aids in wound healing using the Barbatimão plant. The project, led by Dr. Maria Cecília Mendonça, a doctor in health and environment, and Dr. Juliana Cordeiro Cardoso from the Biomaterials Laboratory at ITP, has resulted in a patented product that can be used in the treatment of chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers.
Dr. Maria Cecília discovered the healing properties of Barbatimão after experiencing its wound healing properties in her own surgical incision. "I had surgery and my scar opened up. Then someone told me about this plant, saying that it had highly healing properties. So I brought this idea to ITP, which was embraced by Dr. Juliana Cordeiro, and we developed this project, which is the result of my doctoral research."
The wound-healing abilities of the plant inspired her to develop a membrane that promotes faster wound healing and closure. Moreover, it is 100% absorbed by the skin, eliminating the need for changes, while maintaining the necessary moisture that aids in the healing process. The membrane was developed in collaboration with Dr. Juliana and a team of researchers and graduate students.
Dr. Juliana Cordeiro Cardoso and Dr. Maria Cecília Mendonça showcasing
the wound-healing membrane invented using the Barbatimão plant. Photo: ITP Communication.
The project received support from ITP's innovation agency, which helped patent the product and validate it as an innovative wound healing material. According to Dr. Juliana Cordeiro, the development of the membrane was a collaborative effort. "It's hard work that involves different institutions, many people, many students, and it also involves the training of people and the patients themselves."
Paulo do Eirado, CEO of ITP.
Paulo do Eirado, CEO of ITP, highlighted the institute's mission to bridge the gap between academia, society, and the market, with a focus on postgraduate research. "The purpose of our institute is to make this connection, to mediate between society, the market, the productive sector in general, and academia, especially through stricto sensu postgraduate research, in order to give life to these research projects and bring benefits to society. So, we constantly strive to understand the demands and problems existing in our community and, at the same time, find solutions through our researchers and postgraduate students, always bringing something brilliant, innovative, with registered patents, and following the correct protocols," he said.
