The objective of the NEWBIOVECT consortium is to develop new types of biomimetic biovectors - multi-membrane complex and active principles from a phytocomplex obtained from concentrated extracts of Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. species, such as: polyphenols (can mimic the effects of cytokines, involved in the regulation of cell division and cell expansion), flavones, saponins (anti-inflammatory compounds that mimic the action of steroids), allantoin and polysaccharides (stimulate proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts). The project also aims to deliver in vitro and in vivo therapeutic doses of active ingredients needed to heal wounds and reduce inflammatory effects. The biovectors will be kinetically tested and the mechanisms involved in the release processes of the active principles from the membrane supports will be established.

The development of new and efficient biovectors for phytotherapeutic compounds (active principles) aims to improve wound healing treatment and to shorten recovery time in hospital. The project is also focussing on the valorisation of known medicinal plants (Symphytum officinale and Salvia officinalis), as well as on a superior valorisation of the medicinal plants Impatiens L. species and Betonica officinalis which have not been the subject of national scientific research so far. In addition, this project aims to transfer the new knowledge obtained in the economic environment for a more efficient use of medicinal and aromatic plant species and to increase the quality and competitiveness of Romanian phyto-pharmaceutical products on the domestic and foreign markets.

The results of the project will have an important technological impact in terms of the development of new, unconventional, high-yield processes for obtaining and processing medicinal plant extracts in Romania.  

The main objectives of the NEWBIOVECT project are: i) design and synthesis of new polymeric and composite multi-membrane systems, macroporous and nanoporous membranes for the release of active principles from a phytocomplex obtained from concentrated extracts of Symphytum officinale, Betonica officinalis, Salvia officinalis and Impatiens L. Species; ii) in vitro kinetic studies of the in vitro release of active principles from the carriers obtained and testing of the carriers in terms of biocompatibility; iii) realisation of experimental batches of biovectors for phytopharmaceuticals with reproducible characteristics and in vivo evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy.