Using engineered heart organoids to improve heart repair
Official title: Silicon nanowire engineered human isogenic cardiac organoids for heart repair
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11050407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help heal damaged hearts by creating tiny heart-like structures from human cells that can grow blood vessels and work better when put into injured hearts, which could offer new hope for patients recovering from heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,863 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173532-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced heart injuries or infarctions and are seeking advanced treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have significant heart damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced heart organoids made from human stem cells to enhance recovery after heart injuries. The team is creating prevascularized cardiac organoids that incorporate silicon nanowires to improve cell survival and function when implanted in damaged hearts. By using a specific drug to enhance blood vessel formation, the goal is to ensure these organoids integrate better and provide significant functional recovery. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach to heart repair, which aims to overcome limitations of current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heart repair, significantly improving recovery outcomes for patients with heart injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived therapies for heart repair, but this approach with engineered organoids is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mei, Ying — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Mei, Ying
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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.