How heart valves can be engineered to better integrate with the body
Official title: The mechanics of host cell repopulation of engineered tissues
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11039004 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way artificial heart valves are made and how they move in the body affects how well the body's cells can attach and grow on them, with the goal of making these valves work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $143,886 |
| NIH project number | 3R15HL167235-01S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039004 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring heart valve replacements or those with conditions affecting heart valve function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require heart valve interventions or those with contraindications for surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical environment of engineered heart valves affects the ability of host cells to attach, invade, and differentiate within these valves. By using biopolymer scaffolds and simulating the conditions of blood flow and mechanical stretch, the study aims to understand how these factors influence cell behavior and the overall integration of the valves in the body. The research will monitor various cellular responses over time, including attachment and proliferation, to optimize the design of heart valves for better performance in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart valve replacements that integrate more effectively with the patient's own tissues, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in tissue engineering and heart valve development has shown promising results, indicating that mechanical factors can significantly influence cell behavior and tissue integration.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Billiar, Kristen L — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Billiar, Kristen L
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.