Developing a new type of vaccine for COVID-19 using porous silicon particles
Official title: Porous silicon microparticle-based subunit vaccines for SARS-CoV-2
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11012792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new COVID-19 vaccine that uses tiny silicon particles to boost your immune response, and it’s designed to help protect you better against the virus and its new variants, especially in your lungs and nose.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | February 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $681,312 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI176670-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk of COVID-19 infection, particularly those who may not respond well to existing vaccines.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been vaccinated and have strong immunity against COVID-19 may not receive additional benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel vaccine for COVID-19 that utilizes porous silicon microparticles to enhance immune responses. The approach involves both parenteral and intranasal delivery methods to stimulate a robust immune reaction against the virus, particularly in the lungs and mucosal areas. By optimizing the vaccine formulation, the researchers aim to improve protection against emerging variants of the virus that may evade current vaccines. Patients may benefit from a more effective vaccine that provides better immunity against COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective vaccine that offers enhanced protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using innovative vaccine delivery methods, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in vaccine efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Tian — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Wang, Tian
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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.