Using engineered hydrogels to help repair heart tissue after a heart attack
Engineered Granular Hydrogels for Endogenous Tissue Repair
This study is testing a new type of gel that can be injected into the heart to help it heal after a heart attack, with the hope of improving heart function and giving patients a better chance at recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11077675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing injectable granular hydrogels that can be used to repair heart tissue following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The approach involves creating hydrogels that allow for cellular invasion and promote healing by enhancing blood vessel formation and tissue structure. By injecting these hydrogels into the heart, the goal is to improve cardiac function and reduce the risk of heart failure. The research team has been working on this technology for over a decade, aiming to provide a new treatment option for patients with limited current therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk of heart failure.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had a heart attack or those with advanced heart failure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and heart function for patients who have suffered a heart attack.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using biomaterials for cardiac repair, indicating that this approach could be a meaningful advancement in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burdick, Jason a — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Burdick, Jason a
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 below.