Nanofiber skin patch for chronic wound healing

A Nanostructured Skin Patch to Heal Chronic Wounds

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-11286813

This project will develop a nanofiber skin patch to help people with chronic nonhealing wounds, like diabetic foot ulcers or venous leg ulcers, heal more effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11286813 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are building a thin, skin‑like patch made from nanofibers using a nanoextrusion fabrication method. The patch is designed to create a supportive environment for cell growth, encourage new blood vessel formation, reduce prolonged inflammation, and help prevent or fight infection. The team will test the patch in laboratory and preclinical models to check wound closure, safety, and durability before moving toward clinical testing. If those tests go well, the patch could be prepared for trials involving patients with chronic wounds.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with chronic nonhealing skin wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, or other long‑standing open wounds that have not responded to standard care would be the most likely candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with acute minor cuts, wounds that are already healing normally, or conditions not involving chronic skin ulcers are unlikely to benefit from this specific patch.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this patch could speed healing, reduce infections and amputations, and lower the time and cost needed to treat chronic wounds.

How similar studies have performed: Related engineered dressings and nanofiber materials have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but combined multifunctional patches addressing inflammation, infection, and blood‑vessel growth together are still relatively new and under active testing.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.