Genetically programmable gels to deliver biologics in the GI tract
Official title: Genetically Programmable Mucoadhesive Hydrogels for Targeted Delivery of Biologics in the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11441001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A novel gel material engineered to stick to specific parts of the GI tract and protect biologic medicines, then release them on demand.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $189,621 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB039849-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with conditions that would benefit from locally delivered biologics in the GI tract and who could participate in early-stage material testing.
✕Less likely to help
People not needing GI-localized biologic delivery or with conditions not compatible with the hydrogel approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a programmable mucoadhesive hydrogel made from engineered protein nanofibers that can anchor to stomach, small intestine, or colon mucosa. The hydrogel is designed to shield biologics from stomach acid and digestive enzymes, while allowing targeted, on-demand release at the desired GI region. Researchers will tailor the material to bind region-specifically and to release biologics through stimulus-responsive links, aiming for noninvasive, local delivery of therapies that are usually injected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive biologic therapies orally, reducing injections and improving local treatment in the GI tract.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows progress in mucoadhesive materials, but this approach combines region-specific adhesion with programmable release in a single platform.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duraj-Thatte, Anna — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Duraj-Thatte, Anna
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.