In situ bioprinting for bone regeneration to repair craniofacial injuries in military personnel
Official title: In situ bioprinting of high-density cell-laden core-shell microgel bioinks enabling cellular condensation for vascularized bone tissue regeneration
Funded at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center · NIH-11306072 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 3D bioprinting approach uses cell-filled microgels to directly repair damaged craniofacial bone in soldiers and Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004825-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306072 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are military personnel or veterans with craniofacial bone defects needing regenerative repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial bone damage or those not suitable for implantable bioink strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop an implantable, biodegradable bioink system that can be printed directly into facial bone defects to create functional bone tissue without a prior in vitro culture step. The method uses high-density, patient-specific cell condensations to promote natural bone formation and integration with the surrounding tissue. By combining 3D printing with innovative scaffold-free technology, the work seeks to produce precisely engineered bone that fits each defect and reduces healing time. The research is focused on translating a promising technology from the lab toward real-world military and veteran care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable faster, more reliable reconstruction of craniofacial bone for injured service members and veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work and early bioprinting studies show potential for cell condensations to form bone, with ongoing development toward in vivo success.
Where this research is happening
-
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alsberg, Eben — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Alsberg, Eben
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.