Activities and Product Descriptions

Our research program is based on a cross disciplinary approach where aspects of engineering, chemistry, and biology are applied to the field of Biomaterial. We are focused on the creation of new highly biocompatible & biodegradable polymers – poly(ester amide)s and poly(ester urethane)s entirely composed of naturally occurring and non-toxic building blocks (like naturally occurring amino acids, fatty dicarboxylic acids and diols) through controlled polymer chemistry and engineering. The polymers created a wide reveal range of mechanical properties from hard to elastic film-forming. Their hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance and bio-degradation (bio-erosion) rates are varied in a wide range. The polymers created are promising both as absorbable surgical materials and as polymeric drugs for sustained release local drug delivery for the treatment of various diseases.

The biodegradable polymers created displayed a wide range of material properties from film and fiber forming to hydrophilic elastomers and are subjected the hydrolysis (biodegradation) with a high rate [0.1-0.01 mg/(cm2 h)], catalyzed by enzymes (hydrolases) like trypsin???. chymotrypsin, lipase, & esterase. Active forms of the enzymes can be both surface-immobilized and bulk–impregnated in the polymers. Essential ??amino acids releasing after biodegradation of the polymers can be assimilated by living organism through metabolic means promoting omit tissue regeneration.

In bridging polymer science and microbiology, we are designing biocomposite materials containing bacteriophages as bactericidal substances [1]. These biomaterials, prepared as both films and powders are promising as dressings for accelerated healing of infected wounds and cavities like Tropic and Diabetic Ulcers, Bedsores, Osteomyelitis, for treatment of dental diseases like Gingivitis and Paradontitis, as well as, for the application in Ophthalmology and Gynecology. Some clinical results are described in the recent publication [2,3].

We have also developed a unique bioabsorbable, elastomeric functional poly(ester amide) for local drug delivery [4]. This polymer has shown great promise in the field of cardiovascular medicine as a vector for sustained, controlled release of drugs for the treatment of in stent restenosis [5]. Currently the vascular stents coated by the same co-PEA are under first phase clinical trials.

“PhagoBioDerm"

“PhagoBioDerm” is biocomposite material based on biodegradable poly(ester amide) matrix and containing complex of bacteriophages against 5 general suppurative microorganisms (Ps.aeruginosa, E.coli, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Proteus) as bactericidal substances, and  ?-acting in drug sustained/controlled release fashion. “PhagoBioDerm” contains also antibiotic ciprofloxacin, painkiller Benzocain , proteolytic enzyme (??chymotrypsin or trypsin).

Therapeutic effect of the preparation consists of several factors:

1. Polymeric film protects the wound surface from intensive moisture losses via uncontrollable evaporation, and from external actions like mechanical irritation, microbial invasion, etc. A high biodegradation rate providing with a sufficient amount of polymeric debris (biodegradation products) that accelerate macrophages for their production of cell growth factors, accelerate the tissue regeneration.

2. a-Chymotrypsin (or trypsin) promotes the sanitation of the wound surface and erodes polymeric film providing in that way with sustained/controlled release of bioactive substances into surrounding tissues.

3. Bacteriophages and antibiotic (can be varied) suppress bacterial flora, bacteriophages suppress the flora resistant to antibiotics.

Benzocain causes local painkiller effect.

A high therapeutic effect of the preparation is achieved owing to a high local concentration of active substances for a long period at a low integral doze of the drug(s) that minimizes possible adverse effects.

“PhagoBioDerm” is an innovative product and has no analogues in world pharmacy. It has been developed by a group of Georgian chemists and microbiologists since 1995. “PhagoBioDerm” is an anti-microbial, antiseptic, accelerated wound healing remedy. It is a highly efficacious medical device with a prolonged action used for healing various infected wounds and sores, as well as, dental gum diseases. It contains biodegradable polymers (composed of naturally occurring and non-toxic building blocks) and a complex of bacteriophages as bactericidal substances.

In 2000, upon successful completion of clinical trials, the product was officially approved and registered by the Ministry of Health of Georgia (Registration Certificate No. MP0033069).

“PhagoBioDerm” is produced in three forms: as films, stripes, and powder.

“PhagoBioDerm-film” (wound dressing, “artificial skin”) represents thin (thickness 0.10-0.15 mm), elastic, perforated membranous material of standard size 4 x 5 cm x cm. In this form the preparation is very efficacious for treatment of all kinds of infected superficial wounds with retarded healing rate like: bedsores (pressure ulcers), Tropic Ulcers, Diabetic Ulcers, Thermal and Radiation Burns, Infected Stings, etc.

“PhagoBioDerm-powder”- represents a fine powder (particles size 0.005-0.015 mm). In this form the preparation is efficacious for treatment of Deep Wounds and Cavities, especially Osteomyelitis.

“PhagoBioDerm-stripes” – represents a modified “PhagoBioDerm-film” stripes of standard size 1 x 5 cm x cm containing Lincomycin instead of ciprofloxacin and anti-fungal drug additionally.