Biomimetic coatings to improve cell interfaces and deliver bioactive payloads
Official title: Self-Assembled Multifunctional Biointerfaces
Funded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11350986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project to create self-assembled, biocompatible coatings that mimic natural cell signaling and control how surfaces interact with cells and proteins, with potential to improve diagnostics, prevention, and treatment of diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Troy, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,190 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM155196-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11350986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would benefit from advances in biomaterial interfaces used in medical devices, implants, and diagnostic tools, including individuals requiring improved biocompatibility or targeted local therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using or needing related biomaterial interfaces or surface therapies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores biomimetic, self-assembled coatings made from designed biomacromolecules to create multifunctional surface interfaces. The coatings aim to dynamically mimic cell signaling, reduce unwanted interactions, and improve compatibility and activity at the cell-material boundary. Researchers will test how these coatings can present or release bioactive payloads over time, using biocompatible methods without special equipment. Although disease-agnostic, the work could enable better diagnostics and therapies across many conditions by tailoring interfaces for specific tissues or devices. The focus is on translating advanced materials science into practical biomedical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from improved medical devices and surface-based therapies with better compatibility and delayed or controlled delivery of treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Past work shows that biomimetic coatings can improve biocompatibility and control interactions at device-tissue interfaces, suggesting potential for meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zha, Runye Helen — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Zha, Runye Helen
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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.