A new adhesive to help heal diabetic wounds
Official title: Mutlifunctional Nanocomposite Bioadhesive for Diabetic Wound Repair
Funded at Michigan Technological University · NIH-10974644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a special adhesive made from mussel proteins that helps heal chronic ulcers in people with diabetes while also keeping infections at bay, making it easier for patients to recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan Technological University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houghton, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $448,936 |
| NIH project number | 2R15GM135875-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic ulcers, particularly those with diabetes or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds or those not suffering from chronic ulcers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a multifunctional nanocomposite adhesive designed to improve the healing of chronic ulcers, particularly in diabetic patients. The approach utilizes bioinspired chemistry from mussel proteins to create an adhesive that not only promotes healing but also minimizes the risk of infection. The research involves preparing the adhesive, testing its effectiveness in laboratory settings, and evaluating its compatibility with human cells. By addressing the challenges of current treatments, this research aims to enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diabetic wounds, improving healing times and reducing complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bioinspired materials for wound healing, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Bruce P — Michigan Technological University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Bruce P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Network at the University of Arizona
A NIH-supported project at the University of Arizona aims to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers by studying biomarkers and running high-quality clinical trials.
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Understanding how skin layers coordinate healing after injury
Researchers are studying how different layers of adult skin coordinate rapid healing after injury to prevent infection and chronic wounds.
-
Immunomodulatory therapy to speed up healing after oral cavity injuries in kids
A new approach using a drug called FTY720 aims to improve healing and reduce pain after oral injuries or palate surgery in children.
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How diabetic wounds let Group B Streptococcus cause infections
Researchers are learning how high blood sugar, immune changes, and other bacteria in diabetic wounds help Group B Streptococcus grow and cause worse infections in people with diabetes.
-
Understanding how skin cells exchange harmful chemicals to cause injury and wound repair
A research project aims to uncover how certain chemical agents damage human skin and what happens in the early stages of blistering and inflammation.
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Intestinal mucosal wound healing in humans
A patient-friendly look at how the lining of the gut repairs itself after injury and why this matters for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
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.