Creating strong living scaffolds using 3D bioprinting technology
Official title: 3D Bioprinting of Strong Living Scaffolds
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10909118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to create strong, living structures that can help heal damaged muscles and bones, using special materials and cells, so that patients with injuries or conditions affecting their movement can have better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $210,423 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB032535-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from musculoskeletal injuries or conditions that require tissue regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-musculoskeletal injuries or those who do not require tissue regeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative 3D bioprinting techniques to create strong, living scaffolds that can support the regeneration of damaged tissues, particularly in the musculoskeletal system. By combining biomaterials, viable cells, and bioactive factors, the project aims to overcome the limitations of existing scaffolds that either lack mechanical strength or biological activity. The approach involves using a novel emulsion bioink that allows for the encapsulation of cells and growth factors within the scaffolds, enhancing their functionality for tissue repair. Patients may benefit from this technology as it could provide more effective treatment options for tissue injuries and degenerative conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advanced treatments for tissue regeneration, improving recovery outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in regenerative engineering and 3D bioprinting has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in tissue regeneration.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Yonghui — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Ding, Yonghui
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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.