Creating engineered skin that includes hair follicles and sweat glands
Multiscale modeling of an inductive hair follicle microenvironment in engineered skin substitute
This study is working on creating better artificial skin that looks and works more like real skin, including features like hair follicles and sweat glands, to help patients who need skin grafts feel more comfortable and have better healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10993166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced engineered skin tissues that replicate the biological and mechanical functions of natural skin. It aims to address the limitations of current engineered skin substitutes, which lack essential features like hair follicles and sweat glands. By studying the interactions between specific skin cells, the research seeks to enhance the ability of skin substitutes to support hair follicle formation. Patients may benefit from improved skin grafts that better mimic natural skin properties.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals requiring skin grafts due to injuries, burns, or surgical procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not require skin grafting or those who have fully healed skin may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective skin substitutes that improve healing and functionality for patients needing skin grafts.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in engineering skin tissues, but this approach aims to address specific challenges that have not been fully resolved.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yuhang — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yuhang
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 below.