Improving Cranial Bone Healing with Special Materials and Immune Cells

Microribbon scaffold-mediated Immunomodulation for Cranial Bone Repair

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11099850

This work explores how new materials can guide the body's immune cells to better repair bone, especially in the skull.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11099850 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

When bones heal, the body goes through several steps, including inflammation and forming new bone. This project looks at how immune cells, specifically macrophages, play a key role in this process. We are developing special 3D materials called microribbon scaffolds that can help these immune cells switch from causing inflammation to promoting healing. The goal is to create a better environment for bone regeneration, especially in difficult-to-heal areas like the skull.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who experience bone injuries or defects, especially those needing cranial bone repair.

Not a fit: Patients without bone injuries or those with conditions unrelated to bone healing would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to faster and more complete healing of bone defects, particularly in the skull, by optimizing the body's natural repair mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have shown that biomaterials can influence immune responses in soft tissues, this work is novel in applying these principles to bone healing and using advanced 3D scaffold designs.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bone Diseases
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.