On July 27th, 2026, Marta Sofia Aguiar Carvalho de Oliveira Teixeira successfully defended her PhD in Textile Engineering at the University of Minho, with the thesis entitled “Biodegradable, wet-spun fiber-hydrogel composites loaded with thymol and eugenol for skin regeneration: impact of the fiber architectural organization.”
Her research focused on the development of biodegradable and multifunctional fiber-hydrogel composites for chronic wound care. The proposed systems combined wet-spun polymeric fibres with hydrogels containing thymol and eugenol, two naturally derived bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
By integrating fibres and hydrogels into a single composite structure, the work aimed to reproduce some of the organizational features of the skin while providing a suitable environment for wound healing. The developed materials demonstrated relevant biological and functional properties, including controlled release of the natural compounds, antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, biocompatibility and the ability to support cell proliferation. The research therefore contributes to the development of innovative biomaterials for skin regeneration and the treatment of chronic wounds.
The PhD was supervised by Dr. Helena Felgueiras (2C2T, University of Minho), Dr. Joana Antunes (Fibrenamics) and Dr. Carla Silva (Centre of Biological Engineering – CEB, University of Minho).
The examination committee was chaired by Professor Dr. Raúl Fangueiro (Department of Textile Engineering, University of Minho) and included Dr. Carmen Barros (CICECO – Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro), Dr. Cristina Barrias (i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto), Dr. Simone Silva (i3Bs – Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho), Dr. Sónia Silva (CEB, University of Minho) and Dr. Helena Felgueiras (2C2T, University of Minho).
Following the public presentation and discussion, the jury unanimously approved the candidate, recognizing the scientific quality, originality and multidisciplinary nature of the research, which bridges textile engineering, biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
This work represents an important contribution to the development of next-generation bioactive wound dressings, highlighting the potential of sustainable polymeric materials and naturally derived compounds to improve chronic wound management and support skin regeneration.
The Centre for Textile Science and Technology congratulates Dr. Marta Teixeira on this outstanding achievement and on her valuable scientific contribution to the advancement of sustainable biomaterials and innovative solutions for regenerative medicine.