Using engineered heart organoids to improve heart repair

Silicon nanowire engineered human isogenic cardiac organoids for heart repair

NIH-funded research Clemson University · NIH-11050407

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionClemson University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Clemson, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050407 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced heart injuries or infarctions and are seeking advanced treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cardiac conditions or those who do not have significant heart damage may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, 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.
Conditions cardiac injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.