3D wound dressing with cocoa and golden berry extracts for chronic wound healing
A 3D biomaterial wound dressing enriched with natural antioxidant extracts from cocoa and Physalis peruviana (golden berry) to accelerate chronic wound healing. The design supports controlled release of flavonoids and polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress, manage inflammation, and stimulate collagen synthesis for improved tissue regeneration.
Overview
Chronic wounds represent a significant clinical and economic challenge, often stalled in inflammatory phases due to persistent oxidative stress. This research proposes an innovative 3D wound dressing that incorporates natural antioxidant extracts from cocoa and golden berry (Physalis peruviana). The combination of a three-dimensional biomaterial structure with bioactive plant compounds aims to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue regeneration outcomes for patients suffering from chronic wounds.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- 3D biomaterial scaffold designed to support cell growth and tissue repair
- Natural extracts from cocoa and golden berry, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols
- Antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress in the wound environment
- Anti-inflammatory properties to manage chronic inflammation
- Stimulation of collagen synthesis essential for tissue repair and wound closure
- Controlled release mechanism for stable, time-dependent delivery of active compounds
- Encapsulation of extracts to improve yield, stability, and bioavailability
- Kinetic release profiling of encapsulated versus non-encapsulated extracts
Research methodology:
- In vitro cell culture studies to evaluate extract effects on wound healing
- Animal model testing using established rat chronic disease models
- Histological examination of treated tissue samples
- Biomarker analysis to understand molecular mechanisms of action
- Assessment of cell proliferation, collagen production, and inflammation modulation
- Monitoring of wound closure rates and tissue regeneration
Technology readiness level
This project is at an early-to-mid research stage, with prior work in the research group demonstrating the efficacy of cocoa and golden berry antioxidants in chronic wound healing. Current and planned validation includes extraction and encapsulation optimization, 3D dressing formulation, in vitro cell exposure studies, and animal model testing. The full research plan is estimated to span approximately 30 months, with the next phases focused on encapsulating extracts, formulating the 3D dressing, and conducting systematic in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
About Universidad Industrial de Santander
Universidad Industrial de Santander is a comprehensive public research university based in Bucaramanga, serving northeastern Colombia through regional campuses. Industry collaboration is anchored by the Guatiguará Technology Park in nearby Piedecuesta, which co‑locates 15,000 m² of UIS laboratories, shared core facilities, high‑performance computing, and 7,000 m² of space for corporate R&D units. The park sits near Ecopetrol’s Instituto Colombiano del Petróleo, connecting university researchers with the region’s energy sector. Research is supported by competitive funding from Colombia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and by regional and international programs. A dedicated knowledge transfer office, part of WIPO’s TISC network, provides IP and licensing support for companies engaging with UIS labs.
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