Comparing materials to repair the brain's protective membrane (dura)
In vitro and in vivo assessments of xenogeneic cranial dura mater and naturally derived commercial dural grafts
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11159397
This project compares different dura graft materials to find which best seals the brain, supports healing, and causes the least immune reaction for people who need dural repair after cranial surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159397 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
After brain surgery some people need a graft to repair the dura, the membrane that keeps cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull. Researchers will test lab-prepared acellular xenogeneic dura grafts and commonly used commercial, naturally derived grafts in lab experiments and in rats to measure sealing strength, tissue incorporation, infection risk, and inflammation. They will also examine whether commercial processing removes important extracellular matrix proteins needed for long-term tissue health. The aim is to identify graft materials that prevent CSF leaks and support safer, more durable healing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who require dura repair after cranial surgery or who suffer recurrent cerebrospinal fluid leaks would be the most likely candidates to benefit from improvements this work could enable.
Not a fit: Patients without cranial dura problems—such as those with only spinal dura issues or unrelated neurological conditions—are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to safer, longer-lasting dural grafts that reduce cerebrospinal fluid leaks, infections, and immune complications after cranial surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies indicate decellularized extracellular matrix grafts can support tissue repair, but direct comparisons to commercial products and long-term safety data are still limited.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WILLIAMS, LAKIESHA NICOLE — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: WILLIAMS, LAKIESHA NICOLE
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.
Conditions: Brain Vascular Disorders