New materials for healing face and skull bone injuries
Official title: Scaffolds with high oxygen content for mineralization
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11145641 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project is creating special materials with lots of oxygen to help repair bone in the face and skull.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $396,104 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030129-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145641 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for patients who have experienced craniofacial injuries, bone loss due to tumors, congenital abnormalities, or age-related bone issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without craniofacial bone defects or those seeking treatment for conditions unrelated to bone repair would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people experience injuries to their face and skull each year, often requiring complex repairs. Current methods, like using a patient's own bone, can lead to more problems like infection or additional pain. This work focuses on developing new, easy-to-handle materials that are safe for the body, break down naturally, and have enough oxygen to help bones heal better. These materials are designed to be porous and strong, similar to natural bone, and can be combined with a patient's own cells to encourage healing. The goal is to create better options for restoring function after craniofacial injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to safer and more effective ways to repair bone defects in the face and skull, reducing complications and improving patient recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Researchers have previously developed porous scaffolds with oxygen-generating components, showing promise in enhancing tissue healing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Camci-Unal, Gulden — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Camci-Unal, Gulden
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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.