Modulating protein delivery to help bone repair with engineered biomaterials
Official title: Modulating Protein Activity in Tissue Repair using Engineered Affinity-based Biomaterials
Funded at University of Oregon · NIH-11518631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses specially designed biomaterials that hold and release multiple proteins in a controlled way to improve bone healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eugene, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $104,111 |
| NIH project number | 3R35GM147507-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11518631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with bone injuries where biomaterial implants might be used as part of surgical repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing bone repair with biomaterial-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how to use affinity-based biomaterials to precisely control when and where proteins are presented at a bone injury site. By studying protein-material interactions and their effects on healing signaling, the team will develop tools to tune protein release and activity. The work combines materials science with biology to test how different protein combinations influence tissue repair. The goal is to create materials that guide the body's natural healing cascade more effectively. If successful, this could lead to smarter implants that help bones heal faster and more reliably.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with bone injuries could experience faster and more reliable bone healing through smarter biomaterial implants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for protein-delivery biomaterials, but this project seeks more precise, multi-protein control to enhance healing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oregon
Eugene, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hettiaratchi, Marian Hirushika — University of Oregon
- Study coordinator: Hettiaratchi, Marian Hirushika
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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.