How tissue stiffness and stretch change nanoparticle entry into lung and blood vessel cells
Official title: Mechanoregulators of Nanoparticle-Cell Interactions at Tissue Interfaces
Funded at University of North Texas · NIH-11322407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how stretching and stiffness in lung and blood vessel tissues change the way tiny drug-carrying nanoparticles get into cells, with the goal of improving treatments for cancer and lung or vascular disease patients.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $98,157 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM150577-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cancers or lung or vascular diseases who might someday receive nanoparticle-based therapies are the most likely to benefit from this line of research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to tissue mechanics or who are unlikely to receive nanoparticle treatments in the future may not see direct benefit from this work.
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown 2D and 3D tissue models that mimic the stiffness and stretching of lung and blood vessel walls so researchers can watch how nanoparticles enter cells. Scientists will apply controlled stretches and different substrate stiffnesses while tracking which cellular uptake routes the particles use and where they end up inside cells. Based on those results, the team will redesign nanoparticles to favor the most effective entry pathways. The focus on lung epithelium and vascular endothelium aims to reflect common delivery routes for inhaled and bloodstream therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to nanoparticle therapies that reach target cells more reliably, improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show tissue stiffness affects cell behavior and nanoparticle uptake in simple models, but combining dynamic stretch with nanoparticle redesign is a newer and less-tested approach.
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.