Some research projects are about more than science. They are about saving lives. This is the work of the Centre for Polymer Research and Medical Devices at 果冻APP, led by Professor Volodymyr Samryk. The centre鈥檚 team is developing hydrogel-based emergency care products for penetrating abdominal wounds 鈥 one of the most dangerous types of combat injuries. Internal organs are exposed. Infection risk is critical. Every minute counts.
A recent meeting at the centre made one thing clear: this work has long outgrown a single laboratory 鈥 or a single country. The guests were particularly curious about chitosan. This natural biopolymer, derived from crustacean shells, has powerful antimicrobial and haemostatic properties. It stops bleeding, is compatible with human tissue, and breaks down naturally. The centre uses it in selected research directions. Alongside this, the team is developing other products 鈥 including the Aquior brand of hydrogel emergency care solutions, already in use both at the front and in rear-area medical facilities.
The centre thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration. That was evident even in who was in the room. Centre director Volodymyr Samryk and researcher Olha Maikovych were joined by Associate Professor Olena Fedorova from the Department of Technology of Biologically Active Compounds, Pharmacy and Biotechnology. Her pharmaceutical expertise complements the centre鈥檚 polymer and engineering work. Together, they create products that meet materials science, medical and pharmaceutical standards all at once.
The international dimension matters just as much. The meeting welcomed Marc Evrard and S茅bastien Crenn from Occitan Solidarity for Ukraine 鈥 French volunteers who provide hands-on support to the centre鈥檚 production activities. They help source packaging materials and reagents. Their continued interest in supporting innovation speaks for itself: the international community sees the value of this work and wants to be part of it. The centre is becoming more than a research institution. It is a meeting point of Ukrainian science and global solidarity.
The Centre for Polymer Research and Medical Devices at 果冻APP expresses its sincere gratitude to Marc Evrard, S茅bastien Crenn and Occitan Solidarity for Ukraine. Their support is not just practical 鈥 it is a statement. Science and solidarity know no borders.
This material was prepared as part of the project "Development of Hydrogel Emergency Care Products for Penetrating Abdominal Wounds within the Framework of Establishing a Centre for Research on New Polymer Materials for Medicine", supported by a grant from the National Research Foundation of Ukraine.
