Lymphatic patch with built-in one-way valves to restore fluid drainage
Official title: Engineered Lymphatic Patch with Valved Pre-Collectors
Funded at Texas Engineering Experiment Station · NIH-11296593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a lab-grown patch made with valve-forming lymphatic cells to help people with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment regain normal lymph drainage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Engineering Experiment Station NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $404,424 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL184210-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11296593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with secondary lymphedema (for example, arm or chest swelling) caused by lymphatic damage from breast cancer surgery or radiation would be the intended beneficiaries of this approach.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with active cancer recurrence, uncontrolled infection, or who cannot undergo implantation surgery may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This approach aims to make a soft, 3-D patch from natural extracellular matrix material seeded with genetically engineered lymphatic cells that can form valves to push fluid one direction. In the lab the team will use light-controlled signals (optogenetics) and a perfusion bioreactor that mimics body flow to encourage valve formation and maturation. The patch will then be implanted in a mouse model of lymphedema to see if it integrates with host vessels, restores lymph flow, and reduces tissue swelling. If successful, the technique could be developed toward an implantable option for people whose lymph drainage was damaged by cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide an implantable way to restore one-way lymph flow and reduce swelling for patients with lymphedema after breast cancer therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has promoted small-vessel lymphatic growth but engineering larger lymphatic vessels with functional valves is largely novel and remains unproven in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
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Texas Engineering Experiment Station
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Feng — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Feng
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.