Immune-friendly electronic coatings to help implants last longer
Immunocompatible electronic polymers and devices for implantable sensors and stimulators that resist foreign-body responses
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11062594
Developing electronic materials that help implantable sensors and stimulators avoid immune scarring so they work longer for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11062594 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating new electronic polymers designed to blend with body tissues and not trigger the usual scarring and inflammation around implants. They will test these materials in the lab and in animal models to measure tissue reactions, collagen buildup, and device function over time. The team will refine coatings and device designs based on those results with the goal of preparing materials safe for use on human implants. Over the project timeline they aim to move from material discovery toward options that could be tried in clinical settings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or may receive implanted electronic devices—such as pacemakers, neural stimulators, or implanted sensors—are the most likely candidates for related trials or future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients without implanted electronic devices or whose conditions are unrelated to implant scarring would not be expected to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these materials could make implanted electronic devices last longer and reduce the need for replacement surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: Past efforts have lowered scarring using non-conductive polymer or hydrogel coatings, but applying immune-friendly conductive electronic polymers for active implantable devices is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, SIHONG — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: WANG, SIHONG
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 below.