Medical leather manufacturing with the use of hybrid nanoparticles MEDNANOLEAT (Τ6ΥΒΠ-00081) 2020-2022. Total budget: 372,490€ NCSRD budget: 67,400 €. Scientist in charge: Michael Arkas.  

This research proposal concerns the application of hybrid nanoparticles, with dimensions of few nanometers (nm), which are composed of inorganic substrates-dendritic polymer-metals or other organic and inorganic compounds, in medical leather processing technology. In particular, the synthesis of selected nanoparticles by the selective encapsulation of active substances will be attempted, which after application and incorporation in the structure and in the surface of the leather articles (cow or lamb) will control one of the following properties of the final leather product: Durability of microbial attack, antiallergic protection, water vapor permeability and abrasion resistance. In addition, the synthesis of nanoparticles combining two or all of the above properties of the final leather product will be attempted. The synthesis of the nanoparticles will be followed by their incorporation into leather articles and the evaluation of the desired leather properties in terms of efficacy, pattern of release and action of the active substance as well as its duration. Effective control of all the above will trigger the industrial implementation of the research results in the production of innovative products for the medical leather industry.