Young researchers from Sechenov University’s Institute of Regenerative Medicine received two awards at the 6th International Conference on Biomaterials, Biodesign and Bioproduction (BDMC2026), held at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Anna Kardosh, an analyst at the Biofactory Design Center, won Best Oral Presentation in the Biomaterials session. Her talk focused on thermosensitive micro- and nanogels for delivering therapeutics to skin cells. The particles are being developed as part of a burn-treatment coating at Sechenov University. They respond to temperature changes in damaged tissue, changing structure and releasing their payload at different healing stages. Experiments on keratinocytes and 3D cell spheroids showed that particle uptake depends on temperature, contact time and mechanical properties.

Galina Nifontova, a leading researcher at the Laboratory of Applied Microfluidics, presented the thermo- and pH-sensitive platform. The microgels can alter stiffness and porosity, provide controlled release and penetrate skin cells. They are planned for inclusion in a hybrid wound dressing to accelerate burn healing. The research is supported by RSF grant No. 24-45-10012.

Anton Murashko, a junior researcher in the same laboratory, won the poster session in the Processes and Equipment for 3D Bioprinting track. He presented an intelligent microfluidic platform for sperm selection that uses AI to assess morphological characteristics. The project is supported by RSF grant No. 24-45-20007.

“It is important that high praise went not only to the ideas but also to the experimental results,” said Anastasia Shpichka, head of the Laboratory of Applied Microfluidics. “In both projects, we are consistently moving toward integrated technologies: a controlled drug delivery system for skin restoration and a cell selection platform for reproductive medicine.”

BDMC brings together specialists in biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, 3D bioprinting, medical robotics, organs-on-chip and AI in bioproduction. It is organized by Zhejiang University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the journal Bio-Design and Manufacturing.