Creating a 3D model to study how chemicals affect the placenta during pregnancy
Development of a 3D hepatic-placental tandem organ-on-a-chip for toxicological screening
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 ID | NIH-11059106 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant who are concerned about chemical exposures.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not plan to become pregnant may not benefit directly from this research.
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 performed: 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
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- 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
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.