Improving bone reconstruction for children with orofacial clefts
Clinically Applicable Orofacial Cleft Reconstruction Using Structural, Compositional Biomimetic Bone Scaffolds
This study is exploring a new way to help kids with orofacial clefts by using 3D printing to create special bone structures that can support healing with their own cells, aiming to improve facial reconstruction and development without extra surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10888352 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method for reconstructing facial structures in children born with orofacial clefts, a common birth defect. The approach involves creating biomimetic bone scaffolds using advanced 3D printing technology, which can help the body use its own stem cells for healing without the need for additional invasive surgeries. By testing this innovative technique in a relevant animal model, the researchers aim to assess its effectiveness and safety for future clinical applications in children. This could lead to better outcomes in facial reconstruction and overall development for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are born with orofacial clefts requiring surgical intervention.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have orofacial clefts or are older than 11 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a less invasive and more effective treatment option for children with orofacial clefts, improving their growth and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of biomimetic scaffolds is a novel approach, similar techniques in tissue engineering have shown promise in other areas of regenerative medicine.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Sang Jin — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lee, Sang Jin
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.