Creating a model to study how particles move in the airways

Developing Trachea-on-a-chip to Study Particle Mucociliary Transport in Airways

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-10671564

This study is creating a tiny model of the trachea to see how particles and bacteria move in the airways, which could help us learn more about keeping our lungs healthy and finding new treatments for lung diseases.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10671564 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a trachea-on-a-chip model to investigate how inhaled particles and bacteria are transported in the airways. By mimicking the natural environment of the trachea, the researchers aim to better understand the mechanisms of mucociliary transport, which is crucial for maintaining lung health. The study will utilize advanced microfluidic technology to control the airway conditions and observe how particles behave in this setting. This innovative approach could lead to new insights into lung diseases and potential therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, who may benefit from advancements in treatment strategies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-respiratory conditions or those who do not have any lung-related issues may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for respiratory conditions by enhancing our understanding of how particles are cleared from the lungs.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar microfluidic models to study airway function, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.