Creating a 3D model to study how chemicals affect the placenta during pregnancy
Official title: Development of a 3D hepatic-placental tandem organ-on-a-chip for toxicological screening
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11059106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special 3D model that mimics the placenta and liver to see how different chemicals might affect pregnancy, helping us learn more about what could harm the placenta and ensuring healthier pregnancies for moms and babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 21, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,102 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES035204-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant who are concerned about chemical exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a unique 3D organ-on-a-chip model that combines placental and liver tissues to better understand how various chemicals impact placental function during pregnancy. By simulating the liver's metabolism of these chemicals, the study seeks to identify potential adverse effects on the placenta, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. The approach allows for high-throughput screening, meaning many chemicals can be tested quickly and efficiently, providing valuable insights into reproductive toxicity. This innovative model addresses the limitations of current methods that often rely on animal studies or inadequate human cell models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer chemical exposure guidelines for pregnant women, ultimately improving maternal and fetal health.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, similar organ-on-a-chip technologies have shown promise in other areas of toxicology and drug testing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khetani, Salman R — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Khetani, Salman R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.