Frontiers in Nanotechnology (Apr 2024)

Translational pathway of a novel PFF2 respirator with chitosan nanotechnology: from the concept to the practical applications

  • Mário Fabrício Fleury Rosa,
  • Mário Fabrício Fleury Rosa,
  • Leonor Maria Pacheco Santos,
  • Carlos Augusto Grabois Gadelha,
  • Carlos Augusto Grabois Gadelha,
  • Aline Martins de Toledo,
  • Rodrigo Luiz Carregaro,
  • Ana Karoline Almeida da Silva,
  • Lindemberg Barreto Mota da Costa,
  • Adson Ferreira da Rocha,
  • Adson Ferreira da Rocha,
  • Suélia de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa,
  • Suélia de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnano.2024.1384775
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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Introduction:Translational Health Research (THR) is a tool aimed at assisting in the transformation of basic and/or applied scientific research into a health technology ready for commercialization. The aim of this study is to present the translational pathway in wich our research group developed a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) called VESTA® Facial Respirator with chitosan nanotechnology for protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The aim of this study is to present the process of THR applied to a health technology research.Methods:The theoretical-methodological process of THR was applied to the Research and Development (R&D) of the respirator. This method is characterized by subsequent phases, as follow: T (0)—Concept, T (1) Pre-Clinical, T (2) Clinical, T (3) Industrial Scale Production, and T (4) Characterized by subsequent phases, as follow: Technological Evaluation.Results:Applying the THR process in the development and production of the Particulate Filtering Facepiece class 2 (PFF2) respirator with chitosan nanotechnology, University of Brasilia was able to transform the research idea into a respirator approved by the National Regulatory Agency for industrial-scale production within 24 months. The THR process is not a linear action; this flexibility allows essential activities for transforming research into a marketable product.Discussion:The integration among various stakeholders right from the genesis of research is a driving force for the effective utilization of results. The maturity of the country’s industrial sector is crucial for converting university research into a marketable product, and governments need to prioritize these products in healthcare system incorporations. The academic culture of scientific research needs to intensify the technological transfer phase of its inventions. Conclusion: In less than 24 months, the University of Brasilia translated research on a new PPE into the market by applying the THR method.

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