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-11044577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the conditions inside artificial heart valves can help or hinder the body’s own cells from attaching and growing in them, which is important for making sure these valves work well after being implanted.
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 | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,579 |
| NIH project number | 3R15HL167235-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring heart valve replacement or repair, particularly those who may benefit from advanced tissue-engineered solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not require heart valve interventions may not receive any 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 integration. The researchers will monitor various cellular responses over time to identify the optimal conditions for repopulating heart valves with host cells, which is crucial for their successful implantation and function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved engineered heart valves that better integrate with the patient's body, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mechanical environments to enhance cell integration in tissue engineering, indicating that this approach may yield successful outcomes.
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
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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.