Multicomponent hydrogels to promote hair growth and scarless wound healing
Official title: Multicomponent hydrogels activating wound-induced hair neogenesis for scarless wound healing.
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11385362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at UPenn is testing a special gel to help human-like wounds heal with hair follicles and fewer scars.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,250 |
| NIH project number | 5DP5OD039379-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with acute skin wounds who are candidates for advanced wound therapies and transplantation of hair follicle-regenerating approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with wounds that do not respond to hydrogel-based therapies or have conditions contraindicating wound healing research may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will develop and test a multicomponent hydrogel designed to activate wound-induced hair neogenesis. The work aims to create a wound-healing environment that supports hair follicle formation and reduces scarring. The project will be conducted in the Dermatology department with collaboration from the engineering school, leveraging multidisciplinary expertise. If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that improve cosmetic and functional outcomes after skin injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience faster healing with hair follicle regeneration and reduced scarring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in hair follicle biology and skin regeneration supports the concept, though this specific hydrogel approach is innovative.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Leo Le — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Leo Le
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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.