Improving heart repair using engineered tissue and stem cells
Official title: Strategies to Enhance Engineered Heart Tissue Based Myocardial Repair
Funded at Mayo Clinic Arizona · NIH-11006278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help heal heart tissue damaged by heart attacks, using special materials and stem cells to grow new heart muscle and improve heart function, making recovery safer and easier for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $652,089 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL162747-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11006278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are facing heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-ischemic heart conditions or those who are not eligible for stem cell therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative strategies to enhance the repair of heart tissue damaged by conditions like heart attacks. It explores the use of engineered heart tissue made from stem cells to regenerate heart muscle and improve heart function. The approach includes using nanoparticles to promote blood vessel growth in the damaged area and creating injectable materials that can support the survival of transplanted cells. By addressing challenges such as poor blood flow and the need for invasive surgery, this research aims to make heart repair safer and more effective for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from heart failure due to myocardial infarction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Arizona
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Wuqiang — Mayo Clinic Arizona
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Wuqiang
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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.