Using gold-based materials to break down kidney stones
Official title: Use of gold-based photothermal nanomaterials for the comminution of kidney stones
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10985150 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat kidney stones using special gold materials that can help break them down safely, so patients can have a less invasive and more effective option than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $134,749 |
| NIH project number | 1K25DK138120-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985150 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from kidney stones, particularly those who have experienced recurrent stone formation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have kidney stones or those with conditions that contraindicate the use of nanotechnology treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a new treatment for kidney stones using gold-based photothermal nanomaterials. The approach focuses on using these nanomaterials to safely and effectively break down kidney stones without the drawbacks of current treatments, such as radiation exposure and damage to surrounding tissues. The project will involve characterizing the nanomaterials and determining the energy required for effective stone comminution, ultimately leading to a safer in vivo application. Patients may benefit from a less invasive and more efficient treatment option for kidney stones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a safer and more effective treatment for kidney stones, reducing recurrence rates and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of nanotechnology in medical treatments is an emerging field, this specific approach to treating kidney stones is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Houlihan, Ian — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Houlihan, Ian
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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.