Engineering living cells to deliver nanoparticle therapies
Official title: Multiscale approaches to engineering living cells for nanotherapeutic delivery
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11078352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to use living cells to help deliver tiny drug-carrying particles right where they're needed in the body, making treatments more effective and reducing side effects for people with different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $393,371 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150507-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions that could benefit from targeted drug delivery using nanoparticle therapeutics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require nanoparticle therapies or have conditions that cannot be treated with this delivery method may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative methods to use living cells as delivery systems for nanoparticle therapeutics, which are tiny particles that can carry drugs to specific areas in the body. The project aims to overcome biological barriers that prevent effective delivery of these nanoparticles, ensuring they reach their intended targets while minimizing side effects. By understanding how living cells operate, the researchers hope to create strategies that enhance the precision and effectiveness of these therapies for various diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for patients requiring nanoparticle-based therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using living cells for drug delivery, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Zongmin — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Zongmin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.