Exploring how tiny spiky nanoparticles interact with cells
Official title: Biomimetic Spiky Nanoparticle Arrays as Tools to Explore Curvature Enhanced Nano-Bio Interactions
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11055407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny gold particles shaped like spikes can help cells behave better and stick together, which could lead to better treatments for healing and repairing tissues in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 15, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $175,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035648-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11055407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect tissue healing or require regenerative therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable conditions that do not require tissue engineering or regenerative interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specially designed spiky gold nanoparticles can mimic the structure of actin filaments in cells to enhance cellular responses. By creating these biomimetic nanoparticle arrays, the team aims to understand how the physical and chemical properties of these nanoparticles influence cell behavior and adhesion. The approach involves high-resolution and biocompatible fabrication methods to ensure that the nanoparticles can effectively interact with biological systems. Patients may benefit from insights gained about cellular interactions that could lead to improved treatments in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to advancements in therapies that enhance tissue regeneration and repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomimetic materials to influence cellular behavior, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Odom, Teri Wang — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Odom, Teri Wang
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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.