Developing smart materials to heal infected chronic wounds
Official title: Multifunctional Intelligent Hierarchical Fibrous Biomaterials Integrated with Multimodal Biosensing and Feedback-Based Interventions for Healing Infected Chronic Wounds
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10861531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new, smart bandages that help heal chronic wounds, especially for people with diabetes or older adults, by not only speeding up healing but also checking the wound and giving medicine when needed, so you can take care of your wound safely at home without going to the hospital as often.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 19, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $776,719 |
| NIH project number | 1R56EB034685-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861531 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic wounds, particularly those related to diabetes or other conditions that impair healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds or those not experiencing chronic wound issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating advanced fibrous biomaterials designed to treat chronic wounds, particularly those infected due to conditions like diabetes and aging. The approach involves developing materials that not only promote healing but also monitor the wound's condition in real-time and deliver medications as needed. By integrating biosensing technology, these materials aim to reduce the need for frequent hospital visits, allowing for safer home-based treatment options. The project addresses significant healthcare challenges by combining innovative materials science with telemedicine solutions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing outcomes for patients with chronic wounds and reduce the risk of complications such as infections and amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced biomaterials for wound healing, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Zheng — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Yan, Zheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Boosting immune response to fight cancer
This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
Understanding cell-cleanup problems in C9ORF72-related ALS/FTD
Researchers are studying why the body's cell-cleanup systems fail in a genetic form of ALS/FTD to pave the way for better treatments.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
A universal Shigella vaccine using SAVE to protect people of all ages
A new vaccine approach called SAVE aims to prevent Shigella-related dysentery across all ages, including children and adults, by targeting conserved bacterial components.
-
Biomarkers that predict osteoarthritis risk in people at higher risk
A long-term study will look for protein markers in body fluids that could predict who will develop knee osteoarthritis before symptoms appear.
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.