Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
Official title: Meltblown Scaffolds for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Interposition Grafting
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11628894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $578,731 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AR085946-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11628894 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would have irreparable rotator cuff tears and be candidates for interposition graft procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tears cannot be treated with grafts or who cannot undergo surgical intervention may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a high-throughput, non-toxic biomaterial that mimics the natural shoulder tendons and joint capsule. Researchers will digitally prototype and test the material’s architecture and mechanical properties, then evaluate it in cadaveric shoulder models to see how well it restores movement and reduces pain compared to current grafts. The work progresses from material design to physical characterization and rigorous biomechanical testing to ensure safety and effectiveness before any real patients are involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the biomaterial could provide a more reliable, durable graft option that preserves shoulder function and reduces pain for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
How similar studies have gone: Prior tendon tissue engineering work shows promise, but current devices lack approved FDA devices with adequate mechanical properties for this use.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Little, Dianne — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Little, Dianne
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Predicting How Exercise Helpful Rotator Cuff Tears Will Turn Out
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Nervous system role in recovering from painful rotator cuff tears
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A research project will explore why some people with a torn rotator cuff have pain and others don’t by looking at nerves, brain signals, and shoulder muscle control.
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Genetic links to rotator cuff tears and muscle fatty change
This project looks for genetic differences that raise the risk of rotator cuff tears, lead to fatty changes in shoulder muscles, and influence outcomes after surgery or physical therapy for people with atraumatic rotator cuff tears.
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Who will benefit from shoulder exercise therapy for rotator cuff tears
This project aims to find which people with rotator cuff tears do well with personalized exercise-based shoulder therapy.
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.