Daniel Aili is a professor of molecular physics. His research is about creating artificial materials with the same precision as life itself and using them in medical contexts.
The researchers have succeeded in creating biosensors that are robust but still sensitive enough to take measurements in complex environments such as blood. They are developing a method to help make cancer diagnoses earlier. Another application aimed at cancer treatment is the creation of materials that mimic living tissue, for growing cells in. The models could be used to produce new drugs faster and reduce the need for animal testing.
The group also works with dressings to deal with difficult-to-heal wounds, where the base material is nanometre-thin cellulose fibres.
“We make dressings that resemble the skin and are temporarily integrated into the living tissue. The dressings stimulate the formation of new skin and kill bacteria in the wound. Once the wound has healed, the dressing falls off,” says Daniel Aili.
A major advantage is that these dressings do not need to be changed, unlike traditional wound dressings. Of course, it is important that no bacteria enter the wound to start with, and the researchers are working on a solution to verify this. With sensors that detect if a plaster comes into contact with infection, the patient can see the plaster change colour and contact their healthcare provider.
However, for really severe wounds, advanced dressings are not enough. Together with researchers in experimental plastic surgery, the group is also developing materials to quickly grow new skin from the patient’s own cells.
