Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DualFun (Dual Function Polymer Materials for Blood Contacting Applications)
Reporting period: 2017-09-18 to 2019-09-17
The project results will help to open wide opportunities for the improvement of the existing blood-contacting devices and design of new ones. The understanding of NO generation mechanism and argatroban activity may lead to the construction of the better quality blood compatible surfaces with more controllable properties. The applications for these materials range from the medical device technologies to the drug delivery systems in cardiovascular stenting, creation of biosensors for diagnostics and a smart textile design. The continuation of work can result in development of thromboresistant coatings on different polymers.
Collaborative work with Teer Coatings resulted in development of smooth metal/mixed metal coatings on synthetic polymers. These coatings are the highest quality reagent-fee coatings for polymers which is “green way” alternative technology to produce such coatings with significant reduction in waste generation. All obtained Cu-coated polymers were able to generate nitric oxide.
The project helped Dr Azizova to broaden her knowledge in the area of the surface chemistry of the implanted devices, antimicrobial activity, hemocompatiblity, thromboresistance, blood clotting, cell-biomaterial interactions. The University of Brighton provided Dr Azizova with opportunities to supervision/co-supervision of 5 student projects in pharmacy, biomedical science and biomaterials. The training obtained during MSCA fellowship has supported her professional development, strengthens her knowledge in project management, has helped her to widen scientific connections and network with researchers across the world.
The project results were presented at 3 international conferences and in 1 UK-based conference: 4th International Conference on Biomedical Polymers & Polymeric Biomaterials (Krakow, Poland); 16th Polish-Ukrainian Symposium Theoretical and Experimental Studies of Interfacial Phenomena and Their Technological Applications (Lublin, Poland); 29th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Biomaterials (Maastricht, The Netherlands); 4th Annual Conference and Expo on Biomaterials (London, UK). My presentations drew attention of researchers around the world and the representatives of medical device manufacturers, in particular, Arburg company, one of the leading global manufacturers of plastic processing machines.
Moreover, the project aims and results were discussed in 2 meetings in Teer Coatings and Pharmidex. It was productive meeting with rewarding discussions. Our colleagues from industry expressed a great interest to continue communication with the aim to write collaborative projects.
Also, students were involved in research work for testing NO generation abilities of modified polymers. Research work on project was very rewarding for students and encouraged research project student Lydia Smith to apply for a PhD programme at the University of Nottingham.
The project aims and results were presented in 2 University seminars organized by the host group. A project webpage was created on university website and recently updated. A short project video with project aims and outcomes was created and advertised in social media. These will help to increase visibility of project.
The project results have a profound impact on fellow’s research in biomaterials area and benefit the European research community and society through the generation of new knowledge and innovation.
Moreover, the fellowship helps towards retraining women scientists and recommencing a scientific research career after career breaks such as parental leave in the same way promoting the role of women in science.