Creating a model to study infections in fetal membranes
Instrumenting the Fetal Membrane on a Chip
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts to infections in the membranes surrounding a baby during pregnancy, using a special lab tool that mimics these membranes, to help create better ways to detect infections early and keep both moms and their babies healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10651647 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the immune system responds to infections in fetal membranes, which is challenging to study directly in pregnant women. By developing a highly instrumented fetal membrane on a chip, researchers aim to analyze immune responses to infections in a controlled laboratory setting. The project utilizes advanced technologies like microfluidics and various sensors to identify specific biosignatures of infection, which could lead to better diagnostic tools for early detection of infections during pregnancy. Ultimately, this work seeks to improve understanding of how infections affect both mothers and their unborn children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, particularly those at risk for infections.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who do not have any risk factors for infections during pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods for detecting infections during pregnancy, enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using organ-on-chip technologies for studying infections, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cliffel, David E — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Cliffel, David E
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.