How the body’s cells interact with engineered heart valves
Official title: The mechanics of host cell repopulation of engineered tissues
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10580269 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the surroundings of artificial heart valves affect how the body's cells 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 | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $429,456 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL167235-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580269 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults who require heart valve replacements or repairs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing heart valve replacements that are not engineered or those who do not require valve surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the environment around engineered heart valves affects the way host cells attach, invade, and differentiate within these valves. By using biopolymer scaffolds and simulating the conditions of blood flow and mechanical stretch, the researchers aim to understand the cellular responses that influence the repopulation of these valves. The study will monitor various cellular behaviors over time to identify the signals that promote or inhibit effective integration of host cells into the valve structure, ultimately aiming to improve the design of these heart valves for better patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and durable engineered heart valves that better integrate with the patient's own tissues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered tissues for various applications, but this specific approach to heart valves is relatively novel.
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.