Small-molecule releasing scaffold to rebuild damaged bladders
A Biomechanocompatible Small Molecule Releasing Scaffold for Bladder Augmentation
A biocompatible scaffold that slowly releases healing molecules to help people with damaged or undersized bladders grow healthier, better-functioning bladder tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249253 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have a pathologic bladder, this project is developing an implant that encourages your own bladder to regenerate without adding donor cells. The team is designing a biomechanically compatible scaffold that releases small molecules to attract and guide native repair cells, improve blood vessel and nerve regrowth, and reduce scarring. Researchers will test the approach in translational animal models that mimic human bladder disease to refine the scaffold and delivery. The goal is a safer alternative to using bowel tissue for bladder enlargement with fewer short- and long-term complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with severe bladder dysfunction who currently need or may need bladder augmentation (for example congenital, neurogenic, or end-stage bladder conditions) would be the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with only mild bladder symptoms, active urinary tract cancer, or those needing immediate emergency kidney care would not be expected to benefit from this implant approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide a safer, less-complicated alternative to bowel-based bladder enlargement that reduces infections, incontinence, and long-term complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cell-seeded scaffold approaches showed mixed to poor results, so this cell-free, small-molecule releasing strategy is relatively new but builds on promising preclinical bone marrow progenitor cell work.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Arun — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Arun
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 below.