Muscat – A research team from the University of Nizwa has developed a 3D-printed wound dressing that significantly accelerates healing in chronic wounds, outperforming a commercially available alternative in laboratory and animal tests.

The research project, titled ‘Development of a Tacrolimus-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan Scaffold as an Effective 3D-Printed Wound Dressing’, won the 12th National Research Award in the Health and Social Services field under the PhD category. 

Chronic wounds often heal slowly due to persistent infection and limited blood vessel formation. To address this, the research team developed a bioengineered scaffold using carboxymethyl chitosan, a natural biomaterial, combined with tacrolimus, a bioactive drug. The 3D-printed dressing was designed to control bacterial infection, promote vascular growth and support skin regeneration.

Laboratory tests confirmed that the dressing is safe for cells and stimulates new blood vessel formation, while also demonstrating strong antibacterial properties. In animal studies, wounds treated with the scaffold healed faster than those treated with a standard commercial dressing. Researchers observed improved skin regeneration and enhanced vascular development.

Led by Dr Sulaiman Ali Al Hashmi, Head of the Laboratory for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Nizwa, the study highlights the potential of the bioactive scaffold as an alternative approach for managing chronic wounds.

He called for further studies using chronic wound models to assess long-term effectiveness and optimise the scaffold’s design to enhance healing and infection control. The team aims to advance the technology towards clinical application and eventual commercialisation.

Commenting on the award, Dr Al Hashmi said, “Winning the National Research Award is a great honour for us. It represents national recognition and trust in the quality and impact of our research. This award motivates and encourages our team to go further while also placing a responsibility on us to ensure that our research moves beyond the laboratory and contributes to real solutions for patients. It challenges us to translate our scientific findings into practical medical applications that can improve healthcare and quality of life.”

The study was published in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. The project was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the university and partner institutions.