Using light to control local anesthesia and dissolve tissue adhesives
Light triggered materials for on-demand local anesthesia and tissue adhesive dissolution
This study is testing a new way to help people manage pain and use special adhesives that can be easily adjusted or removed, all by using light, making it safer and more convenient for those dealing with pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11044091 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative materials that can provide localized pain relief and dissolve tissue adhesives on demand using light. By chemically binding local anesthetics to polymer carriers, the release of pain relief can be controlled in real-time by patients or clinicians with a light source. This approach aims to minimize the risks associated with systemic medications, such as addiction and side effects, while enhancing the quality of life for patients experiencing acute or chronic pain. The project also explores the creation of light-responsive tissue adhesives that can be easily repositioned or removed as needed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from acute or chronic pain who are seeking alternative pain management options.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience localized pain or those who are not undergoing procedures requiring tissue adhesives may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer patients a safer and more effective way to manage pain without the risks associated with traditional systemic medications.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using light-responsive materials for medical applications, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Wei — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Wei
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.