3D brain blood vessel model to study subarachnoid hemorrhage and test therapies
Official title: Development of a 3D neurovascular unit for in vitro modeling of subarachnoid hemorrhage and screening therapies
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11400496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher will develop a 3D printed, biomimetic brain model to study subarachnoid hemorrhage and screen potential nanoparticle-based treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS133399-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11400496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage or related neurological conditions in research settings who may benefit from improved models and future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those outside SAH research will not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This project aims to create an in vitro model of the brain’s blood vessels using 3D printing and biomimetic hydrogel to simulate subarachnoid hemorrhage. It combines microfluidic device development with nanoparticle formulation to test dual-targeted therapies for SAH-related brain injury. The work will train the PI in vascular biology, nanoparticle synthesis, and in vitro disease modeling, with the goal of becoming an independent disease-focused researcher. The model will serve as a screening platform to evaluate how new therapies might protect brain tissue after SAH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with SAH could benefit from faster initial screening of therapies that protect the brain and reduce complications.
How similar studies have gone: Similar in vitro neurovascular models and microfluidic SAH platforms have shown promise in preclinical testing, but this approach remains translational and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'grady, Brian J — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: O'grady, Brian J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.