HEAL-4WARD - doctoral network for Wound infection Advanced care and Rapid Diagnosis

ID Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01 MSCA Doctoral Networks

Sapienza's role in the project: Coordinator

Scientific Supervisor for Sapienza: Iolanda Francolini

Department: Chemistry

Project start date: March 1, 2026

Project end date: February 28, 2030

Abstract:

The HEAL-4WARD – doctoral network for Wound infection Advanced Care and Rapid Diagnosis aims to train Doctoral Candidates (DCs) to harness advanced nanomaterials, 3D-printing technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to prototype smart wound dressings for personalized infection care and diagnosis. On-demand antimicrobial strategies with low risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be combined with label-free detection and imaging tools to create multifunctional microneedle wound patches.
Research will focus on antimicrobial peptidomimetics, biofilm pathogenicity, functional nanomaterials (e.g., polymeric nanostructures, silver, carbon dots) and renewable polymeric inks. Plasmonic nanoprobes for label-free SERS detection will improve diagnostics and biofilm pathophysiology understanding. Biocompatible carbon dots will be synthesized as optical nanoprobes, antibiofilm agents, or biomolecule-conjugation platforms. AI models will predict sepsis progression, detect biomarkers, and guide personalized treatments.
A multidisciplinary, cross-sector consortium brings together experts in (nano)materials science, chemistry, additive manufacturing, biomedical engineering, AI, molecular biology, microbiology and clinical research to accelerate the translation from lab to clinic. DCs will receive comprehensive training to develop innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes, reduce infection burdens on healthcare systems, and position Europe as a leader in personalized medical devices. The project targets skin/soft tissue infections, including surgical site infections, acute burns and chronic wounds (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure sores), due to their high prevalence in hospitals and long-term care facilities.