Creating plant-based blood vessel grafts for heart surgery
Official title: Tissue Engineering Plant-based Vascular Grafts
Funded at Hofstra University · NIH-10439063 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to create blood vessel grafts using plant materials to help people with heart and circulation problems, aiming to make safer and more effective options when regular veins aren't available.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hofstra University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hempstead, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $395,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EB033168-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10439063 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease who require vascular grafting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have coronary or peripheral artery disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new blood vessel grafts made from decellularized plant materials to help patients with coronary heart disease and peripheral artery disease. The approach involves removing the cells from plant tissues to create a scaffold that can support blood flow and promote cell attachment. By mimicking the structure of natural blood vessels, these grafts aim to reduce complications associated with traditional grafts, especially when suitable veins are not available. The researchers will test these grafts to ensure they can maintain their shape and function effectively in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, safer option for patients needing vascular grafts during heart surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of plant materials in tissue engineering is a novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promising results in maintaining mechanical properties and promoting cell adhesion.
Where this research is happening
-
Hofstra University
Hempstead, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merna, Nicholas J. — Hofstra University
- Study coordinator: Merna, Nicholas J.
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.