IdeeVulGenix: Sustainable BC Hydrogels for Chronic Wound Care

Current chronic wound dressings provide static functionality, unable to adapt to the changing needs of wound progression, limiting access to proper, personalized care. Our proposed solution envisions a dressing produced through a three-step process. First, local agricultural and food-processing waste would be converted into a carbon-rich growth medium through basic, low-energy extraction methods. Second, the non-pathogenic bacterium K. xylinus (BSL-1) would consume this medium, producing a nanofibrillar cellulose pellicle that forms the hydrogel base. Finally, the cellulose would undergo sonication, allowing for the infusion of therapeutic agents — such as antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, or analgesics — before being molded into sterile dressings. Our concept for a bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogel features material properties tuned to pore sizes of 10–100 µm and tensile strengths of 0.2–0.5 MPa, providing precise exudate management for wounds of varying severity while maintaining the moist environment critical for healing. By utilizing inexpensive food waste and scalable fermentation, we aim to deliver an affordable dressing that encourages frequent replacement — unlike traditional dressings changed every six months — empowering clinicians to regularly update formulations and tailor treatments to a wound’s progression, improving recovery outcomes. The BC hydrogel's high biocompatibility and cell adhesion, supported by FDA recognition of bacterial cellulose, help prevent cytotoxicity and immunogenicity, making it ideal for chronic ulcers, burns, and grafting. Integrated therapeutics would enable uniform, controlled release of healing agents to enhance infection control, reduce inflammation, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Environmentally, the hydrogel would be designed to biodegrade after basic boiling sanitation, reducing landfill and incineration impacts. Together, these features present a customizable, cost-effective, and sustainable wound care solution that evolves alongside the healing process.

I bring a unique combination of research experience and entrepreneurial initiative. I currently conduct research at an R1 institution, using the Auxin Inducible Degron method to knock out Folt-2 and study its role in C. elegans lifespan. I am also working with Dr. Compson and an Ecolab co-founder to co-develop a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) for optimizing biofilm use in wastewater treatment. Through the University of Iowa's STEM Innovator program, I’ve strengthened my ability to connect research with real-world application. I also led a biotech project that advanced to the NASA HUNCH National Finals, where our design was proposed for the International Space Station and structured for scalable use on Earth. I can provide strong research, developmental, and innovation skills in various concepts with my curiosity and dedication.