Investigating the effects of cobalt-based nanomaterials on lung health using a 3D lung model
Official title: A meta-transcriptomic assessment of chronic respiratory exposure to cobalt-based nanomaterials using a microfluidic three-dimensional lung model for determining potential predisposition to lung injury
Funded at Tarleton State University · NIH-10974562 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny cobalt-based materials, which are used in many products, might affect lung health when breathed in, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the potential long-term effects on lung cells, like those involved in breathing and immune responses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tarleton State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stephenville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $370,980 |
| NIH project number | 1R15ES036711-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974562 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been exposed to cobalt-based nanomaterials, particularly those in occupational settings or environments where these materials are prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of exposure to cobalt-based nanomaterials or related respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how cobalt-based nanomaterials, which are increasingly used in various applications, may affect lung health when inhaled. Using a microfluidic three-dimensional lung model, the study aims to simulate chronic exposure to these materials and assess their impact on lung cells, including respiratory epithelial and immune cells. The researchers will analyze how these nanomaterials interact with lung cells over several weeks, focusing on potential long-term effects such as fibrosis. By employing advanced techniques like RNA sequencing, the study seeks to provide insights into the toxicological effects of these materials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of the risks associated with cobalt-based nanomaterials and inform safety regulations to protect lung health.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of nanomaterials in research is growing, this specific approach using a 3D lung model to assess chronic exposure effects is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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Tarleton State University
Stephenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Speshock, Janice — Tarleton State University
- Study coordinator: Speshock, Janice
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.