3D‑printed, sensor‑embedded nerve guides to repair children's peripheral nerves
Pre-clinical validation of 3D-printed nerve conduits for pediatric peripheral nerve repair
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11311815
This project develops 3D‑printed nerve tubes with tiny wireless sensors to help infants and children recover from peripheral nerve injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311815 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If my child had a peripheral nerve injury, this team is building patient‑matched, 3D‑printed nerve conduits that mimic nerve micro‑architecture to guide regrowth. The conduits include tiny wireless sensors so surgeons could monitor healing without extra procedures. Researchers will use a Rapid Projection, Image‑guided, Direct‑printing (RaPID) platform and clinically compatible biomaterials and test the conduits in preclinical models to check safety and function. The goal is to prepare a design that could later be tested in children needing nerve repair.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Infants and children with peripheral nerve injuries who require surgical repair and for whom traditional nerve autografts are risky or likely to cause donor‑site problems.
Not a fit: People with brain or spinal cord injuries, patients who do not need surgical nerve grafting, or adults if the devices are not adapted for mature anatomy are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide off‑the‑shelf, patient‑matched nerve grafts that avoid donor‑site injury and allow real‑time monitoring of nerve healing in children.
How similar studies have performed: Some commercial nerve conduits have helped repair short nerve gaps, but combining patient‑matched 3D‑printing with embedded wireless sensors is largely new and has not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, SHAOCHEN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: CHEN, SHAOCHEN
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 below.
Conditions: Autoimmune Diseases