Biodegradable, off-the-shelf plug to repair perianal fistulas
A nanofiber-hydrogel composite plug for perianal fistula repair
This project is developing a biodegradable nanofiber-hydrogel plug designed to help heal perianal fistulas, including those related to Crohn’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11303256 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are engineering a second-generation nanofiber-hydrogel composite (NHC) plug with stronger structure and built-in signals to encourage healing. They will test the plug in laboratory and clinically relevant animal models (rodent and swine) that mimic human perianal fistulas. The team will optimize the material to promote blood vessel growth, host cell infiltration, and tissue remodeling, and has prior data showing promise for a first-generation version. If those results hold, this device could become an off-the-shelf option for closing fistulas without complex surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with perianal fistulas—especially those with Crohn’s disease or fistulas that have not healed with current treatments—would be the likely candidates for future testing.
Not a fit: People without true perianal fistulas (for example, those with hemorrhoids or simple fissures) or whose fistulas are driven by uncontrolled infection or other contraindications may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this plug could increase healing rates, reduce recurrence, and improve quality of life for people with perianal fistulas.
How similar studies have performed: Related biomaterial and stem-cell delivery approaches have shown promising results in animal studies, but similar devices have not yet become widely proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mao, Hai-Quan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mao, Hai-Quan
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.