Creating advanced heart tissue using 3D printing technology
Official title: A dual 3D bioprinting platform for engineering a thick anisotropic myocardial tissue with geometric vasculature
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-11082251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to create thick heart tissue using 3D printing, which could help repair hearts damaged by things like heart attacks, making it a hopeful option for those with heart issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $439,187 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171317-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with a history of myocardial infarction or other heart-related conditions who are seeking advanced treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have any history of heart disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cutting-edge 3D bioprinting platform to engineer thick heart tissue that mimics the natural structure and function of the heart. By utilizing advanced techniques, the project aims to replicate the complex architecture of cardiac tissue, including specialized fibers and blood vessel networks. The approach combines biomaterials and biomechanical stimulation to enhance the growth and functionality of the engineered tissue, potentially offering new solutions for heart repair after damage from conditions like heart attacks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for patients suffering from heart damage, significantly improving recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in tissue engineering has shown promising results in creating functional tissues, suggesting that this innovative approach could also yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lijie Grace — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lijie Grace
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HLA-F and KIR3DS1: unlocking NK cell help to control HIV
A short, patient-friendly look at how a specific immune interaction might help the body control HIV and reduce long-term health problems.
-
Emerging therapies for rare maternal mitochondrial diseases with shared causes
A basket clinical trial will test new drug candidates for two ultra-rare mitochondrial diseases (MELAS and LHON-Plus) that share the same underlying energy-making problem in people who could be affected.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine for liver fluke infection and bile duct cancer
A vaccine approach aims to stop liver fluke interactions with the human bile ducts to prevent bile duct cancer in regions where the parasite is common.
-
Anti-cancer vaccine targeting the host-parasite interface during liver fluke infection
A vaccine approach aims to block how a liver fluke parasite communicates with the human liver to prevent bile duct cancer in people in Southeast Asia.
-
Understanding why youth develop type 2 diabetes and how to prevent it
A nationwide study aims to unravel why some teens with obesity develop type 2 diabetes while others don’t, and to identify factors that could help prevent it.
-
Ultrasensitive antibody-detection method to screen HIV-bNAbs
A new, ultra-sensitive test will help identify which broadly neutralizing antibodies can best block HIV-1 in people, by quickly checking how well these antibodies interact with the virus in patient-derived samples.
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.