Explore the latest updates, events and scientific progress from the GAiA team.
Water-based polymer solutions and first electrospun mats open the path to compostable antimicrobial FFP filters.
GAiA’s first phase focused on building the scientific and technological base of the project. The team completed the state-of-the-art report on FFP filtration systems, prepared and optimized PVA/PAA polymer solutions in water, produced preliminary electrospun mats, applied hot esterification, and carried out first characterizations. This stage established the sustainable material platform on which the later antimicrobial filter concept would be built.
The project moves from preliminary trials to a validated green-chemistry process.
In the second phase, GAiA optimized the polymer solutions developed earlier and defined a validated route for producing electrospun nonwoven materials suitable for FFP applications. The completion of deliverables D2.2, D2.3 and D2.4 also marked the achievement of the project’s first milestone. At the same time, the project began the synthesis and characterization of new antibacterial bioactive glass particles, preparing the transition from passive filtration materials to active antimicrobial systems.
Bioactive glass particles are designed, characterized and prepared for integration into the fibres.
During the third reporting period, GAiA focused on optimizing the synthesis of bioactive glass particles developed in the previous phase and defining a reliable formulation for the next work packages. The particles were assessed using techniques such as SEM, EDS, TEM and XRD, while antimicrobial evaluation began within WP3. Deliverables D3.1 and D3.2 documented the design, validation and characterization of the functionalized bioglasses.
Validated particles move from powder formulation into the first antimicrobial electrospun materials.
In this phase, GAiA completed key WP3 activities: the antimicrobial properties of functionalized bioglasses were evaluated against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains, and the best candidates were selected for the development of loaded FFP materials. The first electrospun fibres containing antimicrobial charge were produced under WP4. In parallel, GAiA also completed the communication and dissemination plan, including project identity elements and the first website structure.
Optimized formulations become stable nonwoven mats ready for functional testing.
The fifth phase transformed the knowledge generated in earlier work packages into reproducible fabrication procedures. GAiA produced electrospun fibres incorporating antimicrobial particles, focusing on homogeneous particle dispersion, consistent fibre morphology and preservation of antimicrobial functionality during electrospinning. The period also completed D4.1 and D4.2, covering the validated design of composite antimicrobial fibres and their morphological and mechanical characterization.
Antimicrobial performance, shelf-life, safety and environmental footprint are assessed together.
In the final reporting period, GAiA moved from material development to integrated validation. The functionalized fibres produced in WP4 were evaluated within WP5 for antimicrobial properties, storage stability, user safety and environmental sustainability. Deliverables D5.1, D5.2, D5.3 and D6.2 documented the validation of antimicrobial performance, safety and shelf life, the environmental footprint, and the final communication and dissemination activities.
Invited presentations and scientific outputs increase the visibility of the project.
The final phase also strengthened GAiA’s scientific visibility. The project results were presented through invited talks to qualified international audiences, covering both the bioactive glass research line and the electrospun materials loaded with bioglasses, with particular attention to antimicrobial and bacteriostatic functions. The reports highlight strong interest from participants and positive feedback on the originality, relevance and application potential of the results.
The communication roadmap
This event was part of a broader in-person exchange between the research units. During a partner visit to the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome on 9 June 2025, Prof. Valeria Cannillo presented part of the results achieved within GAiA in a seminar dedicated to the multiple regenerative and antibacterial applications of bioactive glasses.
The seminar entitled “The multifaceted regenerative and
antibacterial applications of bioactive glasses“ provided an opportunity to present GAiA’s bioactive-glass research line to an expert audience while strengthening the internal and external visibility of the collaboration between the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
GAiA was presented at the XVIII National Conference of the Italian Association of Materials Engineering, held in Ischia Porto, Naples, from 31 August to 3 September 2025, where the project was introduced to the Italian materials-engineering community.
The abstract included in the conference proceedings focused on “Nonwoven electrospun bioactive glass loaded tissues with antimicrobial functionality.” It presented the need for airway-protection systems that combine high antimicrobial efficiency with low environmental impact, directly reflecting GAiA’s central mission. The work described the use of water-soluble PVA/PAA polymers, the loading of the fibres with functionalised bioactive glasses, the fabrication of defect-free nonwoven fabrics, and the role of antimicrobial testing in identifying the most effective glass formulations.
After the national dissemination step, GAiA reached a wider European scientific audience through an oral presentation at the 34th Annual Conference of the European Society for Biomaterials, held at the Lingotto Conference Centre in Turin from 7 to 11 September 2025. The presentation was dedicated to the project’s progress and enabled the team to illustrate the state of advancement of the research in detail.
At ESB25, GAiA was positioned within the European biomaterials community, where topics such as bioactive materials, regenerative applications, antimicrobial surfaces and biomedical translation are central. This presentation supported a first exchange with researchers and specialists, helping the project gain feedback beyond the national materials-engineering context.
Presentation of GAiA results through two invited talks at the 50th International Conference and Exposition on Advanced Ceramics and Composites. The landmark event took place at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida (USA) from 25 to 30 January 2026.
The first invited contribution, delivered by V. Cannillo, was titled “Exploring the potential of bioactive glasses in hard and soft tissue regeneration”. The abstract placed GAiA-related materials within the broader evolution of bioactive glasses, highlighting the role of therapeutic ions and the development of new formulations with improved biological response and broader processing windows.
The second invited contribution, “Antimicrobial bioactive glass-loaded nonwoven fabrics: Tailoring BGs to the specific application”, was presented by F. Basoli. This presentation directly addressed the GAiA concept: antimicrobial bioactive glasses, water-based polymeric nonwoven fabrics, reduced use of toxic solvents, porosity suitable for airway-protection systems, esterification-induced insolubility, immobilisation of bioactive glasses within the fabric network and further tailoring through sol-gel and microfluidic approaches.
The open-acces article titled “Zinc/Potassium-Doped Bioactive Glass With Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity Against Gram-Negative Bacteria” was published in the International Journal of Applied Glass Science, while a second manuscript on zinc/magnesium co-doped bioactive glasses was submitted.
