Creating hydrogels that mimic how cells attach to their surroundings
Official title: Designing Hydrogels that Recapitulate Physiological Cell-Matrix Adhesions
Funded at Lehigh University · NIH-10952459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special gel-like materials that mimic how our cells naturally interact with their environment, which could lead to better treatments for healing and tissue growth for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lehigh University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $72,018 |
| NIH project number | 1R03EB036263-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions requiring tissue regeneration or repair, such as injuries or degenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve tissue regeneration or repair may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing synthetic hydrogel matrices that better replicate the natural interactions between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). By incorporating dynamic ligands that bind to both integrins and syndecans, the project aims to create a more accurate model for studying how tissues develop and regenerate. This approach allows for the customization of the hydrogels' properties, making them suitable for various biomedical applications. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that arise from a deeper understanding of tissue behavior and healing processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for tissue regeneration and repair.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using hydrogel systems for tissue engineering, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pashuck, Eugene Thomas — Lehigh University
- Study coordinator: Pashuck, Eugene Thomas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Integrating data-driven models to understand tissue function and degeneration
Aims to build a digital twin of human tissues to better understand how tissue heterogeneity and cell signaling affect growth, remodeling, and the risk of aneurysm-related tissue degeneration.
-
Computational tools to study how biological molecules interact
A project to create and improve software that helps scientists model and predict how biological molecules bind and work together in living systems, with a focus on tools used by many researchers.
-
Selective vulnerability of dopamine neurons in fruit flies
Researchers are studying why certain dopamine-producing brain cells in fruit flies are more likely to fail in neurodegenerative conditions, with the goal of informing protective strategies for people.
-
Nuclear Envelope Dynamics in Meiotic Quality Control
A researcher at Lehigh University is exploring how eggs and sperm maintain quality during meiosis in a worm model to prevent chromosome errors that can cause birth defects.
-
Pennsylvania asthma-COPD syndromic surveillance for cleaner air and healthier kids
A Pennsylvanian health project is building a real-time warning system to help doctors and families spot spikes in asthma and COPD risks related to air pollution and smoke.
-
Impact of Displacement on Aging Immigrant Mental Health and Interventions
A project with Lehigh University will explore how past displacement affects the mental health of older Bhutanese American immigrants and develop ideas for supportive interventions.
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.