Automating the Production of Human Tissues
TR&D-4: Growing Tissue in the Scalable, Modular, Automated, and Closed (SMAC) Foundry
This project is creating an automated system to grow human tissues like cartilage more efficiently and reliably for future medical use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123272 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are building a special 'Tissue Foundry' that can automatically perform all the steps needed to grow human tissues, from starting with cells to packaging the final product. This system uses advanced sensors and bioreactors to ensure the tissues are grown consistently and with high quality. Our goal is to transform manual tissue production into a closed, automated process, making it easier to create tissues for patients who need them. We are also developing specific settings and controls for different tissue types, like cartilage, to optimize their growth and development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patients, but future patients who might benefit from lab-grown tissues, such as those needing cartilage repair, are the ultimate beneficiaries.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require tissue regeneration or replacement would not directly benefit from this specific manufacturing technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a more consistent and affordable supply of lab-grown tissues for patients needing transplants or regenerative therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While manual tissue engineering has seen some success, this project focuses on automating and scaling the entire production process, which is a novel and less explored area.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bollenbach, Thomas — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Bollenbach, Thomas
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.