Using folate and biodegradable materials to help regenerate damaged nerves
Photoacoustic and epigenetic nerve scaffold for nerve regeneration
This study is looking at how a special form of Vitamin B9, called folate, can help nerves heal better after injuries by using special biodegradable tubes that release folate right where it's needed, and it also checks how well the healing is going using a safe imaging technique, all to help people with serious nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127759 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of folate, a form of Vitamin B9, to enhance nerve regeneration after injuries. It focuses on developing biodegradable nerve guidance conduits that release folate directly at the injury site, which may improve healing through epigenetic modulation. The study also explores how these conduits can be monitored in real-time using photoacoustic imaging, allowing for non-invasive tracking of nerve repair progress. By combining biochemical and biomechanical approaches, the research aims to create innovative solutions for patients with critical-sized peripheral nerve defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with critical-sized peripheral nerve injuries who may benefit from advanced regenerative therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with non-peripheral nerve injuries or those who do not have critical-sized nerve defects may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from nerve injuries, enhancing their recovery and functional outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of folate and biodegradable nerve conduits is novel, similar approaches in nerve regeneration have shown promising results in previous studies.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Su — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Yan, Su
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.