Abstract
Introduction: Translational Health Research (THR) is a tool aimed at assisting in the transformation of basic and/or applied scientific research into a health technology ready for commercialization. The aim of this study is to present the translational pathway in wich our research group developed a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) called VESTA® Facial Respirator with chitosan nanotechnology for protection against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The aim of this study is to present the process of THR applied to a health technology research. Methods: The theoretical-methodological process of THR was applied to the Research and Development (R&D) of the respirator. This method is characterized by subsequent phases, as follow: T (0)—Concept, T (1) Pre-Clinical, T (2) Clinical, T (3) Industrial Scale Production, and T (4) Characterized by subsequent phases, as follow: Technological Evaluation. Results: Applying the THR process in the development and production of the Particulate Filtering Facepiece class 2 (PFF2) respirator with chitosan nanotechnology, University of Brasilia was able to transform the research idea into a respirator approved by the National Regulatory Agency for industrial-scale production within 24 months. The THR process is not a linear action; this flexibility allows essential activities for transforming research into a marketable product. Discussion: The integration among various stakeholders right from the genesis of research is a driving force for the effective utilization of results. The maturity of the country’s industrial sector is crucial for converting university research into a marketable product, and governments need to prioritize these products in healthcare system incorporations. The academic culture of scientific research needs to intensify the technological transfer phase of its inventions. Conclusion: In less than 24 months, the University of Brasilia translated research on a new PPE into the market by applying the THR method.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 1384775 |
| Journal | Frontiers in Nanotechnology |
| Volume | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:Copyright © 2024 Fleury Rosa, Santos, Grabois Gadelha, Martins de Toledo, Carregaro, Almeida da Silva, Mota da Costa, Ferreira da Rocha and de Siqueira Rodrigues Fleury Rosa.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The study was funded by the following stakeholders: i. National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq): process number: 307885/2020-8 and COVID-19 ORDER process number 403472/2020-2; ii. Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District (FAPDF): process number 00193-00000736/2021-64 and UnB/DPI/FAP/DF (COVID-19) process number 6913; iii. Online crowdfunding (VAKINHA). ID 964530. VESTA\u00AE\u2014the mask from the University of Bras\u00EDlia. Civil society participation in the R&D process in healthcare through online donations; iv. Bras\u00EDlia Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); v. Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Bras\u00EDlia\u2014Ceil\u00E2ndia Campus (IFT); vi. National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). The funding source had no involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication. Typically, funding for scientific research, whether basic or applied, comes from the public sector, and in the case of VESTA, it was no different. Publicly affiliated institutions such as the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District (FAPDF), and the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Bras\u00EDlia - Ceil\u00E2ndia Campus (IFT), which traditionally provide public funding for scientific research, contributed to VESTA\u2019s advancement. Some offered more substantial amounts, while others provided smaller supports. The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The study was funded by the following stakeholders: i. National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq): process number: 307885/2020-8 and COVID-19 ORDER process number 403472/2020-2; ii. Foundation for Research Support of the Federal District (FAPDF): process number 00193-00000736/2021-64 and UnB/DPI/FAP/DF (COVID-19) process number 6913; iii. Online crowdfunding (VAKINHA). ID 964530. VESTA\u2014the mask from the University of Bras\u00EDlia. Civil society participation in the R&D process in healthcare through online donations; iv. Bras\u00EDlia Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE); v. Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Bras\u00EDlia\u2014Ceil\u00E2ndia Campus (IFT); vi. National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). The funding source had no involvement in the study design; in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, IEEE | |
| Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Brasília - Ceilândia Campus | |
| Institute of Food Technologists | |
| Universidade de Brasília | |
| State Health Department of the Federal District (SES/DF) | |
| Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal | 00193-00000736/2021-64, UnB/DPI/FAP/DF (COVID-19, 6913, 964530 |
| Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa do Distrito Federal | |
| Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico | 403472/2020-2, 307885/2020-8 |
| Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico |
Keywords
- COVID-19
- infection
- organic controller
- respirator
- SARS-CoV-2
- vaccination