NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how different endothelial cells work in engineered blood vessels

Official title: Measuring the functional heterogeneity of endothelial cells in engineered vasculature

Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11018380 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how to create better blood vessels for tissue engineering by understanding the different ways blood vessel cells work, which could help improve treatments for people needing better healing and nutrient delivery in their tissues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Delaware
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project startJune 1, 2025
Project endFebruary 28, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$235,260
NIH project number1P20GM156674-01
Project IDNIH-11018380 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring advanced tissue engineering solutions, such as those with severe injuries or conditions that impair blood flow.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to vascularization or those who do not require tissue engineering may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on the development of engineered blood vessels by examining the functional differences among endothelial cells. It aims to improve the formation of vascular networks in biomaterial scaffolds, which are crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells. By measuring the expression of specific proteins on endothelial cells, the researchers hope to identify how these cells can be better utilized in creating effective blood vessel structures. This approach could lead to more successful tissue-engineered products that rely on proper vascularization.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved tissue-engineered products that better support cell survival and function through enhanced blood vessel formation.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in utilizing cellular heterogeneity to improve tissue engineering outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Delaware
    Newark, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kwee, Brian Joseph — University of Delaware
  • Study coordinator: Kwee, Brian Joseph

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.