Creating a new trachea using advanced 3D printing techniques
Official title: Multi-tissue type condensations for trachea tissue regeneration via individual cell bioprinting
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11065456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004288-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans and soldiers who have experienced severe trachea damage due to trauma or medical procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor airway issues or those who do not have significant tracheal damage may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alsberg, Eben — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Alsberg, Eben
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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.