GAiA works because materials science, microbiology and sustainability are developed together, not one after the other. The two research units have complementary expertise and are expected to interact closely, with regular technical updates and meetings to monitor progress, discuss issues and define corrective actions when needed.
Combining multi-disciplinary expertise
Coordinates the project activities and oversees the development of electrospun fibres and antimicrobial materials. His role connects material design, laboratory validation and the overall scientific direction of GAiA.
Supervises the development and characterisation of antimicrobial bioglasses, contributing to the design of functional particles suitable for integration into the filtering fibres.
Contributes expertise in chemistry, biomaterials and applied technologies, supporting the development of sustainable polymeric systems and the scientific coordination of the UCBM research activities.
Contributes to the formulation, production and characterisation of bioactive glasses, with a focus on composition–structure–property relationships and antimicrobial performance.
Contributes to the environmental assessment of GAiA materials and processes, supporting the Life Cycle Assessment approach used to evaluate sustainability and potential scale-up scenarios.
Supports the environmental and process analysis of the project, contributing to the evaluation of resource use, production impacts and future optimisation opportunities.
Different skills, one common goal
Designing ultra-thin nonwoven fibres using water-based polymer solutions and optimised process parameters.
Developing functional bioglass particles capable of releasing ions with antimicrobial activity.
Testing antimicrobial behaviour and evaluating whether the materials maintain their function after integration into the fibre network.
Studying morphology, structure, mechanical properties, stability and interaction between polymer fibres and inorganic particles.
Applying Life Cycle Assessment to understand the environmental footprint of materials, processes and possible future production scenarios.
Making the project visible to the world
Results are shared through conferences, publications and exchanges with researchers working on biomaterials, advanced ceramics, antimicrobial materials and sustainable technologies.
The project aims to create dialogue with organisations interested in protective devices, filtration materials, healthcare innovation and environmental sustainability.
GAiA translates technical results into clear messages to explain why safer and greener filtering materials matter. Dissemination activities will be aimed at increasing the visibility of results through scientific events, updated communication materials and digital tools.
