Preclinical Validation of a Hydrogel-Based Technology for Surgical Wound Closure

TissueGUARD GmbH is developing an innovative hydrogel-based technology for surgical wound closure (Current TRL 3). The technology is intended to support both effective wound sealing and the healing process following surgery. Ophthalmic surgery is the primary application of interest, but the platform may also be suitable for other surgical wound indications where localized hydrogel-based closure and healing support could provide clinical benefit.

Within the proposed project, TissueGUARD will lead the development and optimization of the hydrogel technology and will cover the chemical, material, formulation, physicochemical, and delivery-related aspects of the development within the grant. This includes optimizing the hydrogel composition and material properties, characterizing its functional performance, and further developing the application and delivery approach. The collaborative project is intended to connect these material-development activities with appropriate biological and preclinical validation.

TissueGUARD is therefore seeking a research institution, clinical research group, or other preclinical partner with access to suitable animal models for surgical wounds and expertise in wound-healing assessment, histology, tissue response, biocompatibility, and surgical evaluation. Ophthalmic surgical wound models are preferred, but the collaboration is not restricted to ophthalmology, and partners with relevant models for other surgical wound indications are also of interest. The objective is to establish a complementary European R&D partnership and jointly prepare a grant proposal for preclinical validation and further development of the technology.