Creating 3D printed materials that can deliver drugs directly in the body
3D Printed Engineered Living Materials for Drug Delivery
This study is exploring new 3D printed materials that can safely deliver medicine right where it's needed in the body, like in the intestines, to help improve treatments for conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10756515 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative 3D printed materials that can produce and deliver drugs directly at the site of disease, such as in the intestines. By using engineered living materials, which are made of living microorganisms embedded in a polymer, the project aims to enhance the effectiveness and duration of drug delivery. These materials can be designed to biodegrade safely in the body while continuously releasing therapeutic agents, potentially improving treatment outcomes for conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients suffering from Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or other intestinal disorders who require localized drug delivery.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve the intestines or those who do not require localized drug delivery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized drug delivery systems that improve treatment for patients with intestinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using engineered living materials for drug delivery is innovative, similar approaches in localized drug delivery have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Alshakim — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Alshakim
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.