Using nanomaterials to improve heart healing after a heart attack
Official title: Biomimetic nanomaterials for the immunomodulation of the cardiosplenic axis post-myocardial infarction
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10981480 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special materials inspired by nature can help the immune system heal the heart after a heart attack, with the goal of finding new ways to improve recovery and reduce inflammation for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $741,890 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL170060-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981480 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a heart attack or have chronic heart conditions unrelated to recent myocardial infarction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biomimetic nanomaterials can modulate the immune response in the heart following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). It focuses on the role of monocytes and macrophages, which are immune cells that help heal the heart by removing damaged tissue and promoting repair. By understanding how these cells interact with the heart and the spleen during the healing process, the research aims to develop new strategies to enhance recovery and reduce inflammation. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments that improve heart function and healing after a heart attack.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve heart recovery and reduce complications after a heart attack.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using biomimetic materials for immune modulation, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menick, Donald R. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Menick, Donald R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Anti-inflammatory signaling of a key protein in heart attack recovery
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-
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This grant studies a specific cell-death pathway (RIPK3) to protect the heart after a heart attack, with the goal of reducing damage and improving recovery.
-
mRNA lipid nanoparticles to help heart attack patients grow healthier blood vessels
A heart-attack study tests a new treatment that uses messenger RNA delivery with tiny fat bubbles to promote normal blood vessel growth in damaged heart tissue.
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Targeted nanotherapy to calm inflammation, grow new blood vessels, and prevent scarring after a heart attack
A new treatment approach uses engineered secretions from immune cells delivered early after a heart attack to reduce inflammation, promote blood vessel growth, and limit scarring to protect heart function.
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Why heart attacks and strokes affect people differently across places and races
This project follows adults across the U.S. to see how lifelong social and neighborhood factors shape heart attacks, heart failure, and recovery, with attention to Black adults and regions with high disease rates.
-
Real-time multi-lead ECG from wearables to help detect heart attacks early
A new AI-based approach uses everyday wearable sensors to turn simple PPG signals into multi-lead ECG data to monitor for heart attacks in real time, even outside the clinic.
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.