Sulfated glycosaminoglycan hydrogels to protect brain volume after traumatic injury
Official title: Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan Hydrogels for Treating Brain Volume Loss in TBI
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11605223 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new implantable gel made from specially sulfated sugars may help prevent brain shrinkage and improve function after a serious brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $506,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R56NS145513-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11605223 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with a history of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury who have cavities or tissue loss in the brain may be eligible for related future applications of this approach.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain cavitation or those with injuries outside the target regions may not benefit from this specific implant strategy.
What this research studies
This project tests an engineered brain matrix that is implanted into injury cavities to support cells and blood vessels while reducing damaging immune responses. By using sulfated CS oligomers within a hydrogel, the approach aims to block a specific immune pathway and limit microglial activation that contributes to brain tissue loss. The study builds on prior work showing the material can provide neuroprotection and vascular repair in traumatic brain injury models. The goal is to determine whether this material can minimize tissue loss and preserve function in moderate to severe TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with severe brain injury could experience less brain tissue loss and better long-term function due to an implant designed to support repair and reduce damaging inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work with similar engineered brain matrices has shown neuroprotection and vascular repair, but translation to human patients remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karumbaiah, Lohitash — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Karumbaiah, Lohitash
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.