Monika Papić

Melanoma wounds present challenges due to their aggressive nature and high risk of recurrence and scarring. Current wound care strategies often fall short in providing both therapeutic intervention and early detection of melanoma progression. To address these limitations, this research focuses on the development of a smart wound dressing integrating multiple advanced functionalities. The core dressing is based on electrospun modified polysaccharides, engineered to incorporate nanoparticles loaded with anti-scarring drugs and exhibit intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Completing this therapeutic layer is a biosensing platform composed of a novel biocompatible composite that blends inorganic MXenes with organic polymer mixtures. This biosensor will be designed to detect melanoma-specific biomarkers at the wound site before their appearance in the bloodstream, enabling significantly earlier diagnosis than conventional biopsy methods. The sensor will provide real-time, electrochemical feedback through a wearable interface, facilitating continuous monitoring and timely clinical intervention. 
The project aims to optimize the structural integrity, biocompatibility, and functional responsiveness of the dressing through extensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations, ultimately contributing to a more proactive and personalized approach to melanoma wound management. 
 

• Lab address: Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials (PBM) group, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent
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