Project “2nd Dermis” intents to evaluate the effectiveness of garments inside containing chitosans in treating the disease

The Faculty of Biotechnology of the Catholic University-Porto and Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP) just win the Second Prize SPAIC – Bial-Aristegui 2012, as part of a project to evaluate the effectiveness of underwear with chitosans parts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The ESB was responsible for the molecular characterization of biodiversity community resident staphylococcal skin and some virulence factors associated in patients with atopic dermatitis and compared them with healthy subjects.

With a vast knowledge on chitosan and its applications, the research team analyzed the ESB the antimicrobial properties of the textiles used in the manufacture of a special pajama being tested in patients with the disease. Also evaluated the effect of chitosans on the organisms most commonly associated with lesions underlying disease, ensuring validation of the evolution of microbial flora.

After the period of investigation, the project team of 2nd Dermis created a special organic cotton fabric, which was shown to reduce the in vitro proliferation of bacteria from the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. The study is to assess the effect of an undershirt and leggings chitosan impregnated, wound healing and antimicrobial component, which maintains its therapeutic characteristics even after 30 washes.

Participation in projects with real value

The participation of the Faculty of Biotechnology of the Catholic University-Porto in this project reinforces once again the importance and practical application of research projects developed or which have the benefit of researchers in the institution Porto. In this case, the results of the project are crucial in the treatment of a chronic inflammatory skin disease.

The project also included the participation of the company “Textil Crispin & Abreu” and the Service and Laboratory of Immunology of FMUP. The Center for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials, Technology Centre for the Textile and Clothing Industries of Portugal and the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto were also involved in the study.