Creating a new trachea using advanced 3D printing techniques

Multi-tissue type condensations for trachea tissue regeneration via individual cell bioprinting

NIH-funded research Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11065456

This study is working on a new way to create trachea tissue for veterans and soldiers with serious airway damage, using 3D printing to build a replacement that works like natural tissue and helps them breathe better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065456 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new method to regenerate trachea tissue for patients suffering from severe airway damage, particularly veterans and soldiers. By utilizing advanced 3D bioprinting technology, the team aims to create a functional trachea that mimics natural tissue without the limitations of traditional biomaterial scaffolds. The approach involves printing individual cells to form a multi-tissue structure that can integrate with the body and support proper airway function. This innovative technique seeks to address the critical need for effective long-term treatments for tracheal stenosis and damage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and soldiers who have experienced severe trachea damage due to trauma or medical procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with minor airway issues or those who do not have significant tracheal damage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking solution for patients with severe tracheal damage, potentially restoring their airway function and improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While tissue engineering for airway reconstruction is an emerging field, this specific approach using individual cell bioprinting is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.