Immunomodulation and smart biomaterials to prevent and heal wound infections
Official title: Immunomodulation, Drug Delivery, and Biomaterials for Combating Wound Infection and Promoting Wound Healing
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11260059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A NIH grant is funding research to develop advanced biomaterials and therapies that prevent surgical site infections and promote healing in hard-to-heal wounds, especially in people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $415,113 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM161388-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11260059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with chronic wounds or diabetics at risk for wound infections may be eligible for future trials or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not benefit if their wound type or immune status does not respond to the proposed therapies.
What this research studies
This project aims to create and test new 3D, biocompatible materials and drug delivery systems that modulate the immune response and release antimicrobial agents directly at wound sites. Researchers have shown promising results with vitamin D–based immunomodulation, exosome-mediated antimicrobial effects, and Janus-type dressings that can target biofilms. The work includes developing nanofiber scaffolds and aerogels that support tissue regeneration while eradicating biofilms. If successful, these approaches could reduce infections after surgery and improve healing for patients with chronic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapies could lower surgical site infections and accelerate healing for people with diabetes-related wounds.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in this area has shown promise with immune-modulating agents and advanced biomaterials in preclinical models, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xie, Jingwei — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Xie, Jingwei
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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.