While research is the main drive pushing i3S forward, worked developed in the lab is translated into products that take into account real patient and clinical needs. AntiBioCoat and HECOLCAP came to light with that purpose in mind. Both projects were previously supported by RESOLVE, the i3S ignition program that supported and promoted these and other projects in its first cycle. Now AntiBioCoat – masterminded by researchers Rita Mota, Fabíola Costa, Cristina Martins and Paula Tamagnini – and HECOLCAP – devised by researchers Susana Sousa and Fernando Jorge Monteiro – are among the up-and-coming Iberian projects and start-ups in the health sector. Both of them were selected to partake in the 2018 Caixa Impulse program and training kicks off this September.
AntiBioCoat is a highly efficient repellent coating against a wide scope of bacteria, specifically designed to reduce catheter-related infections. Chronic diseases and the increased use of medical devices have resulted in a rising prevalence of infections worldwide and it is estimated that in Europe, on any given day, about 80 000 patients have at least one healthcare-acquired infection. Healthcare-associated infections are mostly related to catheters application. Currently, catheter-related infections can only be tackled through preventive measures and the use of antibiotics. However, the increased need for catheters imposed by an ageing population and the rise of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics, calls for new mitigation strategies. AntiBioCoat is based on a unique natural polymer, no antibiotics or biocides incorporated. In contrast to the available existing treatments, it does not promote toxicity, nor the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Catheter-related infections represent a major social burden contributing to patient suffering, aggravated health prognosis and, ultimately, may result in death. These infections represent a hefty bill in unplanned care to healthcare systems around the world, a burden that entails increased medication and prolonged hospital stays.
As for HECOLCAP, it endeavours to address chronic bone infections and upgrade current solutions. Affecting 4 
million new patients every year worldwide, chronic bone infections are associated with diabetic foot ulcers, prosthesis implantation and open fractures. Current treatment relies on at least two surgeries and antibiotic treatment with long stretches of hospitalization, frequent recurrence, considerable collateral effects, high costs, and with considerable impact to the patient, including pain, impaired mobility and extensive labor lost time. It is often a lifelong problem with high risks of uncontrolled infection that can lead to amputation or septicemia. HECOLCAP provides an effective solution, allowing treatment via one single surgery, releasing the antibiotic at optimized concentrations, eradicating the infection within 3 weeks, and applying a biomaterial that mimics bone, actively promoting bone regeneration at the defective site. HECOLCAP significantly improves the patient’s quality of life, reducing hospitalization, allowing ambulatory treatment and recovery, with significant cost reductions, making the treatment more accessible to larger portions of the population.
Caixa Impulse is backed by “la Caixa” Foundation and helps bio-health project thrive by purveying high-value resources, namely mentoring and seed funding.
