FunkBiotics and the next generation of wound treatment

Professor, what inspired you – as a scientist – to found the startup FunkBiotics and combine science with business?

The impetus to establish FunkBiotics came from a profound belief that science should not remain confined to laboratories – its true value is revealed when it genuinely serves people, especially in areas where medicine today often falls short.

For many years, I conducted research on natural antimicrobial substances, recognising their vast, yet still untapped, potential. However, over time I increasingly felt that scientific publications alone were insufficient. Real action was needed – a step towards implementing what we already know so that this knowledge can finally start benefiting people in practice.

A turning point for me was a personal tragedy – the death of my father. He died due to a wound infection related to diabetes, which could not be controlled. This experience stayed with me deeply. I realised that if I have the knowledge and tools to make a difference – I cannot wait. I must act.

And so FunkBiotics was born – from the need to turn knowledge into something concrete. Something that can truly help someone. Ultimately, we created Karvaderm – a dressing that is effective and safe, but above all designed with the patient in mind: their comfort, daily functioning, and the need to feel secure.

For me, this is what responsible innovation means – combining science with empathy and a real understanding of the problems people face when wounds won’t heal, when pain, infection, and helplessness occur. It’s not just about efficacy. It’s about genuinely making life easier for someone in a difficult moment.

2. What exactly is Karvaderm?

Karvaderm is an antiseptic dressing developed for the treatment of infected wounds and those at risk of infection. It combines natural bioactive ingredients with antimicrobial properties, while remaining safe for tissues and avoiding the cytotoxic effects often seen with, for example, silver – based products. The chitosan forming the base of the dressing further supports regeneration by creating a protective barrier that maintains a moist environment conducive to healing.

Karvaderm is available as a biodegradable hydrogel and as a foam spray – enhancing convenience and precision of application both in clinical settings and at home or in the field. It was developed with patients suffering from chronic wounds in mind: those with diabetes, pressure sores, ulcers, traumatic wounds, but also as support in situations of limited access to medical care – such as during excursions, emergency operations, or humanitarian missions.

Currently, Karvaderm is at Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6), meaning its efficacy and safety have been confirmed in conditions close to real – life scenarios, and the project is being prepared for certification and market launch.

3. You mention that Karvaderm combines natural active ingredients with chitosan – what makes this combination so effective against resistant bacteria?

The key to our dressing’s effectiveness is the carefully considered combination of natural antimicrobial ingredients with an innovative dressing matrix that supports both infection control and the healing process. Our goal was to create a multi – level solution: limiting the growth of even resistant bacterial strains without disturbing the natural microbiological balance of the skin. Thanks to the synergy of these mechanisms, we have achieved an effect that – according to our studies – effectively supports fighting infection while being gentle for the patient and environmentally friendly. This approach goes beyond the traditional understanding of an antiseptic – and that is precisely what makes Karvaderm so unique.

4. What were the greatest challenges you encountered during the development and production of the Karvaderm dressing, both in research and preparation for manufacturing?

The biggest challenges in developing Karvaderm were primarily combining efficacy with safety and ease of use. In the laboratory, it was crucial to find the right formula that would be effective against bacteria, including those resistant to classical antibacterial drugs, while being gentle on tissues and patient – friendly. This is not simple, as effective agents can often be harsh, and we wanted to avoid such compromises. During production, challenges included scaling up while maintaining the highest quality with limited manufacturing capabilities. We do not yet operate mass production, so we had to find ways to ensure repeatability and product stability in small batches. This required great precision and close cooperation with our partners.

5. Do you have laboratory results confirming Karvaderm’s effectiveness against infections, especially hard – to – treat ones?

Yes, we have in vitro laboratory results that clearly confirm the high efficacy of the Karvaderm prototype in combating infections, including those caused by multidrug – resistant bacteria. Our formula effectively eliminates pathogens responsible for difficult – to – treat wound infections while supporting tissue regeneration, which is vital for rapid and safe healing. These studies were conducted in collaboration with reputable centres such as Gdańsk University of Technology and the Jagiellonian Centre for Innovation. This allowed us to optimise the composition and technology under laboratory conditions, testing effectiveness on various bacterial strains, which confirmed its antimicrobial properties.

This robust scientific backing is a huge step forward for us, giving confidence that Karvaderm has real potential to effectively combat difficult infections and support skin regeneration.

6. From a microbiologist’s perspective – how does Karvaderm differ from other antiseptic products, such as silver – based dressings?

From my perspective as a microbiologist, Karvaderm stands out primarily because of its mechanism of action and its composition based on natural, bioactive substances that are effective yet safe for tissues.

Unlike traditional antiseptics, such as silver – based products, Karvaderm does not act toxically against microorganisms but rather disrupts their vital functions and interrupts replication cycles without damaging healthy host cells. This is a major advantage in wound treatment, where not only infection control but also support for natural regenerative processes is essential. Silver has a broad antimicrobial spectrum but can cause skin irritation, impaired healing, or, in some cases, accumulation in tissues with prolonged use. Additionally, there are increasing reports of bacterial resistance even to silver ions, which until recently was considered unlikely.

Karvaderm is based on chitosan and natural active compounds that have antimicrobial and anti – inflammatory effects and simultaneously stimulate tissue repair. Importantly, they are non – cytotoxic and non – irritating, with a much lower risk of resistance development compared to conventional antiseptics or antibiotics. Another difference is biodegradability and environmental friendliness – Karvaderm contains no heavy metals or synthetic preservatives, making it safer for patients and the environment.

7. How has your collaboration with other specialists – biotechnologists, doctors, engineers – been so far?

As a microbiologist and co – founder of FunkBiotics, I focus on what fascinates me most: studying microorganisms, their impact on health, and seeking solutions that can genuinely improve patients’ lives. However, I know success is never achieved alone. At FunkBiotics, I greatly value the support of experts from other fields – biotechnologists, materials engineers, as well as management and business strategy specialists. It is thanks to this broad range of expertise that we can approach challenges comprehensively. We collaborate with outstanding research units such as Gdańsk University of Technology, Jagiellonian Centre for Innovation, and the Łukasiewicz Institute. This grants us access to advanced tools and technologies, enabling not only research but also refinement of production processes at the highest level. This scientific partnership is invaluable, allowing us to combine theory with practice and create solutions ready for market challenges.

We also recognise how complex and demanding the medical device market is, so we engage with a legal advisor specialising in medical device law. This legal support helps us navigate the regulatory maze and prepare a product that meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Additionally, mentorship from experts like Dr Waldemar Ferschke, Vice President and co – founder of Medisept, and the practical experience of Dr Cezary Sawulski from Sanitas are priceless to us. Thanks to them, we better understand market realities, commercialisation challenges, and the needs of patients and clinicians. Personally, it is extraordinary to combine my scientific passion with such comprehensive support.

8. For which patient groups could Karvaderm be the greatest breakthrough?

Karvaderm was created for patients with infected or infection – prone wounds, particularly where standard treatments prove insufficient. It is primarily intended for people with chronic illnesses, where even minor wounds can lead to serious complications.

A particularly important group comprises immobile patients, those with pressure sores, postoperative wounds, or chronic leg ulcers – cases where healing is difficult and the risk of infection is very high. Our dressing is designed to effectively support tissue regeneration and protect against infections in these demanding situations.

We designed it for very broad use – both in clinical settings and everyday life. Karvaderm is suitable not only for hospitals but also for home first – aid kits  –  for kitchen cuts, abrasions during gardening, or family outings with children. Furthermore, Karvaderm may be used in emergency response, humanitarian missions, or military medicine  –  anywhere rapid action, safety, and ease of use are vital.

9. What is the next stage of development for FunkBiotics? Are you considering acquiring a strategic or financial investor?

At this stage, our main focus is preparing Karvaderm for certification as a medical device, which is essential to enter the market.

Realistically, we have reached a point where further development – certification, production, scaling – requires external support. Therefore, we are actively seeking an investor who will not only provide financial backing but also understand that what we do makes sense and can genuinely change patients’ lives.

This is no longer just an idea in the lab – we have a concrete, tested prototype, research results, know – how, and a team. Now it’s time for the next step. We want to find a partner who will join us with an open mind and trust.

Thank you for the conversation, and we wish FunkBiotics every success in their continued development!