Using engineered cartilage and patient cells to improve airway reconstruction in children
Official title: Decellularized cartilage and progenitor cells for laryngotracheal reconstruction
Funded at Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · NIH-11050413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new type of cartilage implant for kids with severe airway narrowing after intubation, using their own cells to help create a better and faster solution for fixing their breathing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $772,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL164536-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who have developed severe subglottic stenosis due to intubation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to airway reconstruction or those who are not candidates for laryngotracheal reconstruction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of cartilage implant for children suffering from severe subglottic stenosis, a condition that narrows the airway after intubation. The team aims to create a bioengineered cartilage that incorporates the patient's own cells, allowing for a more effective and timely reconstruction of the airway. By addressing the limitations of current grafting techniques, which often fail due to insufficient cartilage, this project seeks to produce a viable solution within a clinically relevant timeframe. The methodology involves tissue engineering to create a cartilage implant that matches the mechanical properties of natural cartilage, enhancing the chances of successful airway restoration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the success rates of airway reconstruction surgeries in children, leading to better long-term outcomes and reduced need for revision surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in tissue engineering for cartilage repair, but this specific approach is novel and aims to address significant challenges in pediatric airway reconstruction.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gottardi, Riccardo — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Gottardi, Riccardo
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.