Professor Giuseppe Tronci FIMMM

Profile

My research profile lies at the interface of biopolymers, healthcare, and sustainability. I have direct experience on the design of high-value biopolymer-based materials, such as hydrogels, fibres and coatings, aiming to meet specific clinical, industrial and sustainability needs. I am driven by the development of structure-induced functions via molecular and fibre manufacturing routes to accomplish prototype customisation across multiple scales (from molecular to macroscale). I am keen to pursue pre/clinical testing and regulatory compliance of lab prototypes and support technology translation from the bench to bedside for the benefit of patients and healthcare providers.

Personal website: https://sites.google.com/site/giuseppetronci 

I joined the University of Leeds in 2011 as a Research Fellow within the WELMEC Centre of Excellence in Medical Engineering. Working with colleagues in the Schools of Dentistry and Design, I developed a new collagen manufacturing technology, which has been patented in the US and Europe. I started my Lectureship in Healthcare Materials (CCTMIH, School of Design) in 2016 with a joint appointment with Leeds School of Dentistry (since 2018), and was promoted to Professor in 2023. I currently serve as the Deputy Director of CCTMIH and I am academic co-founder of HYFACOL Limited, a University of Leeds spin-out company developing Leeds collagen manufacturing technology for wound dressings and dentistry applications. 

I gained my bachelor's (Laurea 2003) and master's (Laurea Magistrale 2005) degrees in Biomedical Engineering, both at Polytechnic University of Turin (IT). Following my final dissertation project (Erasmus scholarship) at EPFL Powder Technology Laboratory (CH), I embarked (2006) on a PhD programme at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Institute of Biomaterials Science (DE). Working within a DFG-sponsored Collaborative Research Centre (SFB-760) joint with the Charité Medical School, I was awarded a doctorate in Materials in Life Sciences by the University of Potsdam (DE, 2010). Further to my PhD, I gained a PGCert in Professional Innovation Management from the University of Leeds Business School in 2014.

Responsibilities

• Deputy Director - CCTMIH

Research interests

• design of biomimetic systems for chronic wound, oral and musculoskeletal care
• structure-property relationships and material multifunctionality
• creation of bespoke material geometrics based on defined macromolecular systems
• high-value manufacture of medical devices
• translational research

Qualifications

• PhD in Materials in Life Sciences, University of Potsdam & Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (DE)
• Laurea Magistrale (MSc eq.) in Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin (IT)
• Laurea (BSc eq.) in Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin (IT)
• PGCert in Professional Innovation Management, Leeds University Business School (UK)

Professional memberships

• Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM)
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC)

Current postgraduate researchers

• Rebecca Cooper

Funding

<li><a href="//phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/398-litac-scholarship---piezoelectric-hydrogel-for-on-demand-release-of-anticancer-drugs-for-the-treatment-of-bone-cancer">LITAC Scholarship - Piezoelectric hydrogel for on-demand release of anticancer drugs for the treatment of bone cancer</a></li>