How mechanical properties of tissues affect nanoparticle delivery to cells
Official title: Mechanoregulators of Nanoparticle-Cell Interactions at Tissue Interfaces
Funded at University of North Texas · NIH-10903971 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness and stretch of lung and blood vessel tissues affect how tiny particles used in medicine get into cells, with the hope of making these particles work better for delivering treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denton, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $359,614 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150577-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903971 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from conditions such as cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, or hypertension.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to tissue mechanics or nanoparticle therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the mechanical properties of tissues, such as stiffness and stretch, influence the way nanoparticles are taken up by cells, particularly in lung and vascular tissues. By creating advanced tissue models that mimic the dynamic forces found in the body, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of nanoparticle therapeutics. The study will explore different pathways of nanoparticle entry into cells, focusing on endocytosis, and how these pathways are affected by the mechanical environment. Ultimately, the goal is to design more efficient nanoparticles that can better deliver treatments to target cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective nanoparticle therapies for diseases like cancer and pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using dynamic tissue models for nanoparticle delivery is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cell interactions with therapeutic agents.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas
Denton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meckes, Brian R — University of North Texas
- Study coordinator: Meckes, Brian R
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.