Creating 3D-printed bioinks for regenerating bone tissue
Official title: In situ bioprinting of high-density cell-laden core-shell microgel bioinks enabling cellular condensation for vascularized bone tissue regeneration
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11072099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help military personnel and veterans heal from bone injuries in their face by using 3D printing to create special gels filled with stem cells that can be placed directly into the body to help grow new bone tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004825-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are military personnel and veterans who have experienced significant craniofacial bone damage due to combat-related injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-combat related bone injuries or those who do not have craniofacial bone damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for regenerating craniofacial bone tissue in military personnel and veterans who have suffered injuries from combat. The approach involves using advanced 3D bioprinting technology to create biodegradable microgels that are loaded with human mesenchymal stem cells. These microgels can be implanted directly into the body without needing prior lab culture, allowing for immediate tissue formation and integration. By customizing the structure of these bioinks, the research aims to match the specific bone defects of individual patients, enhancing the potential for successful regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking solution for effectively regenerating functional bone tissue in patients with severe injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using 3D bioprinting for tissue regeneration is innovative, similar strategies have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alsberg, Eben — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Alsberg, Eben
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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.