Smart Scaffolds for Growing New Tissues

TR&D-2: Sensor Enabled Scaffolds

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11123257

This project creates special materials with tiny sensors to watch how new tissues grow, helping to make better tissue replacements for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11123257 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project aims to create "smart" materials, called scaffolds, that have tiny sensors built right into them. These sensors can monitor how cells attach and grow on the scaffold in real-time, which is crucial when building new tissues in the lab. By continuously checking cell activity and distribution, researchers can adjust conditions to help the new tissue develop properly. This technology could lead to more effective and reliable engineered tissues for various medical needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who might eventually benefit from engineered tissue replacements for damaged organs or tissues could be ideal candidates for future applications of this technology.

Not a fit: Patients not requiring tissue engineering or regenerative medicine approaches would not directly benefit from this specific technology development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could improve the quality and reliability of lab-grown tissues, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients needing tissue repair or replacement.

How similar studies have performed: While tissue engineering and biosensor development are active fields, the integration of real-time, dynamic sensing directly into scaffolds for automated monitoring of cell seeding and function represents a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

CLEVELAND, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.