Improving delivery of growth factors using specialized molecules

Non-covalent functionalization of collagen for growth factor delivery using bispecific aptamers

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11089403

This study is exploring a new way to deliver important healing proteins to help treat different diseases, using special molecules that can stick to existing materials without changing them, making the treatment safer and more effective for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (University Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-11089403 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of growth factors, which are crucial for treating various diseases, by using innovative molecules called bispecific aptamers. These aptamers can attach to existing biomaterials without altering their properties, allowing for a more stable and sustained release of growth factors. The project involves designing these aptamers, testing how well they can load and release growth factors, and evaluating their effectiveness in living organisms. This approach aims to reduce toxicity and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with conditions that could benefit from growth factor therapies, such as certain cancers or tissue regeneration needs.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require growth factor therapies or have contraindications to such treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for conditions requiring growth factor therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using aptamers for targeted delivery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

University Park, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.