Investigating ways to regenerate periodontal tissues affected by periodontitis
Official title: Sharpey's fibers and PDL regeneration
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11159166 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment called periopatch that aims to help people with severe gum disease by encouraging the growth of important fibers that support your teeth, helping to restore healthy gum tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 18, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $588,952 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034978-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159166 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are suffering from periodontitis, particularly those with severe cases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild periodontal disease or those who do not have periodontal issues may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a bio-inspired scaffold, known as periopatch, to regenerate periodontal tissues, specifically targeting the Sharpey’s fibers that connect the periodontal ligament to the alveolar bone. The study aims to create an optimal microenvironment using biophysical and biochemical cues to promote the migration and growth of periodontal ligament stem cells. By enhancing the organization of these fibers, the research seeks to restore the structural integrity and function of periodontal tissues, which are often lost due to periodontitis. Patients with severe periodontal disease may benefit from this innovative approach to tissue regeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective treatments that restore periodontal health and prevent tooth loss in patients with periodontitis.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to periodontal tissue engineering, the specific integration of bio-inspired scaffolds for Sharpey’s fiber regeneration is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaohua — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaohua
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.