Semi-autonomous surgeon-guided in situ robotic bioprinting for repairing volumetric muscle loss
Official title: A Novel Semi-autonomous Surgeon-in-the-loop in situ Robotic Bioprinting System for Functional and Cosmetic Restoration of Volumetric Muscle Loss Injuries
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11652866 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A surgeon-guided robotic bioprinting system would print bioinks directly onto muscle injury sites to help restore function and appearance.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $795,096 |
| NIH project number | 7DP2AR082471-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11652866 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with substantial volumetric muscle loss injuries where tissue reconstruction could benefit from in situ bioprinting.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without significant volumetric muscle loss or those not eligible for surgical intervention may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a semi-autonomous robotic system that works with a surgeon to print engineered bioinks onto damaged muscle tissue. It uses a 3D camera to plan the printing pattern, a robotic printer to lay down the bioink, and software to monitor safety and accuracy during the procedure. The project focuses on large volumetric muscle loss injuries, with the goal of restoring both function and cosmetic outcomes. It involves collaboration with a bioink developer and a specialized printing instrument to achieve precise tissue constructs on the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with severe muscle injuries could regain function and better cosmetic outcomes through printed tissue replacements.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in bioprinting and robotic-assisted surgery shows promise, but this approach remains novel for in situ muscle restoration.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alambeigi, Farshid — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Alambeigi, Farshid
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.