Biomaterials and Ethics: Expanding Smart, Safe Innovations
Official title: Humanity Unlocking Biomaterials (HUB) Coordinating Center
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11582923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A funding center is supporting projects that explore the ethical and social aspects of creating and using biomaterials in healthcare.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $345,190 |
| NIH project number | 3U24EB035897-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11582923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to direct patient participation; this grant focuses on ethics research guiding biomaterials development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients are not directly enrolled, but future patients could benefit from more ethically developed biomaterials.
What this research studies
This HUB coordinating center funds and coordinates opportunities for research on bioethics related to biomaterials. The goal is to help labs consider ethical questions early in biomaterial design so that future clinic-ready products are both effective and responsible. Researchers from academic labs can access educational resources and funding to study how biomaterials intersect with health, communities, and ethics. The emphasis is on broadening participation and ensuring ethical standards guide innovation in biomaterials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help ensure new biomaterials are developed with strong ethical considerations, patient rights, and societal impact in mind.
How similar studies have gone: There is a growing body of work on bioethics in biomaterials, but continued expansion and coordination could enhance impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eniola-Adefeso, Omolola — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Eniola-Adefeso, Omolola
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.