Creating advanced models to study cell interactions using special membranes
Official title: Engineering Cell-Substrate Interactions on Porous Membranes to Create Physiologically Relevant Model Systems
Funded at Rochester Institute of Technology · NIH-11085119 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on tiny models of human tissues to help scientists better understand how cells interact and to test new drugs, which could lead to more effective treatments just for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rochester Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $362,320 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM153461-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085119 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that require personalized medicine approaches or those involved in drug testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions that can be modeled using these microphysiological systems may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing microphysiological systems, also known as tissue chips, which mimic human tissue environments for studying cell interactions. By using these systems, researchers can conduct drug testing and disease modeling in a controlled setting that closely resembles actual human biology. The project aims to enhance our understanding of how cells interact with their surroundings through specially designed porous membranes that allow for selective communication between different cell types. This innovative approach may lead to more effective treatments and personalized medicine options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate drug testing and disease modeling, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using microphysiological systems for drug testing and disease modeling, indicating that this approach is gaining traction in the biomedical field.
Where this research is happening
-
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaborski, Thomas R — Rochester Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Gaborski, Thomas R
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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.