The team involved in the project has a long-lasting expertise in the development of nanoparticle systems for pharmaceutical applications.
From this skill, the idea of exploiting the ability of some natural substances present in the grapes to transform silver salts into silver nanoparticles (AgNP) is born. Such idea will take advantage from the rich possibilities offered by the many types of grapes traditionally grown on the territory of Pavia.

The AgNP will be produced by means of a “green” synthesis (without the use of harmful chemicals) that is respectful of the environment and cheap, since waste from wine production will be used.

It is known that grape and its derived products are rich in substances such as polyphenols, which have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and derma-protective properties. These substances will cover the AgNPs, whose excellent antibacterial properties, also effective against antibiotic-resistant strains, are well known.

The very small size of the nanosystems would allow a rapid entry into bacteria, while the natural substances that coat them would improve the compatibility with the cells of our body and enhance the healing of skin lesions, acting in synergy with antibacterial properties, typical of silver.

The nanoparticles will then be loaded into “smart” dressings based on natural polymers, capable of mimicking the structure of the skin layers and delivering the active substances in a controlled way, according to the therapeutic needs.

Since shape and size of nanomaterials affect their properties, an important part of the research will be devoted to the rational study of how the conditions of synthesis (e.g. type of waste and/or extract, grape quality, temperature and concentration of the reagents) influence these properties, and, in turn, the therapeutic efficacy of the developed products.

What we offer is a mix of tradition (the countryside, the culture of wine), of “non- dangerous” chemistry and of ecology with a look at the present – the research – and at the immediate future – its application. Chemistry leaves the academic laboratories to meet the reality of the territory.

Links:

Inorganic Nanochemistry Lab: http://www-5.unipv.it/inlab/

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