Creating a self-charging scaffold to help heal large bone defects

Bionic Self-Charged Bone Composite Scaffold

NIH-funded research University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11129799

This study is exploring a new type of bionic material that helps bones heal better on their own, using gentle electrical signals instead of harmful chemicals, and it's designed for people with serious bone injuries.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129799 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a bionic scaffold that can promote bone healing without the need for toxic growth factors or stem cells. By utilizing bioelectric signals, the scaffold aims to enhance the body's natural healing processes. The approach involves engineering a biomaterial that can generate its own electrical stimulation to support bone regeneration, addressing the limitations of current grafting techniques. Patients with significant bone defects may benefit from this innovative solution that seeks to improve healing outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from major bone defects due to trauma, disease, or surgical removal.

Not a fit: Patients with minor bone injuries or those who do not require surgical intervention for bone repair may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with large bone defects.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of bioelectric signals for bone healing has shown promise, this specific approach of a self-charging scaffold is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Storrs-Mansfield, 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 2026-06-15 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.