Controlled-release materials to improve blood vessel grafts
Engineering of biomaterials with controlled biomolecule delivery for cardiovascular applications
['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11141871
This work develops graft materials that slowly release genetic medicines to help blood vessel grafts stay open longer for adults needing bypasses or other vascular grafts.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141871 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you need a blood vessel graft, this project aims to make the graft material more friendly to your body so it heals with a healthy lining and less scarring. The team is modifying a flexible material called poly(vinyl alcohol) and attaching nanoparticles that slowly release a microRNA (miR-145) to change smooth muscle cell behavior. In laboratory and animal models they will test whether these changes promote a protective endothelial layer, limit the tissue overgrowth that narrows grafts (neointimal hyperplasia), and avoid blood clots. The methods are being developed so the approach could be adapted to off-the-shelf grafts used in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults who need vascular grafts or bypasses and might otherwise receive synthetic or modified graft materials.
Not a fit: People who do not need vascular grafts, children, or patients whose graft problems are caused mainly by infection rather than tissue overgrowth are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make synthetic vascular grafts last longer and reduce the need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical work has shown surface changes can improve endothelial lining without increasing clotting, but combining sustained nonviral microRNA delivery with these surfaces is a newer approach with promising early data.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HINDS, MONICA T — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HINDS, MONICA T
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.