Using clickable vesicles with silk materials to improve healing

Clickable Extracellular Vesicles to Silk-Based Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10916248

This study is exploring a new way to help heal tissues by using tiny particles from stem cells mixed with a safe silk material, aiming to make treatments more effective for people needing regenerative medicine.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916248 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing regenerative medicine by utilizing extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and incorporating them into silk-based biomaterials. The team aims to use a novel azide-based click chemistry technique to securely attach these EVs to silk fibroin, which is an FDA-approved material. By doing so, they hope to create a more effective platform for tissue engineering that can better direct the body's natural healing processes. The project involves collaboration between experienced researchers and an industrial partner to ensure the technology is both innovative and applicable.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions requiring tissue regeneration or repair.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve tissue damage or require regenerative therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing and regeneration of tissues in patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for regenerative applications, making this approach both innovative and building on existing knowledge.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.