Using special grafts to help bones heal better
Official title: Sacrificial templated grafts to encourage bone healing through mechanotransduction
Funded at University of Texas San Antonio · NIH-10811305 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new types of grafts that help bones heal better and faster for people who have lost a lot of bone due to injuries or cancer, making recovery easier and reducing complications after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas San Antonio NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | September 17, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $411,666 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE032179-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811305 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic bone loss or have undergone cancer surgery affecting bone structures, particularly in the head, jaws, and neck.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor bone injuries or those who do not require grafting procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative synthetic grafts that can enhance bone healing, particularly in patients who have lost significant bone tissue due to injuries or cancer. The approach involves creating grafts that can attract cells necessary for bone regeneration while also being designed to degrade at controlled rates, allowing for better integration with the body. By using these grafts in a single surgical procedure, the goal is to reduce complications and improve recovery times for patients. The research will involve both laboratory tests and animal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of these grafts in promoting bone healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing outcomes and quality of life for patients with significant bone loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered grafts for bone healing, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier successes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas San Antonio
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ong, Joo L. — University of Texas San Antonio
- Study coordinator: Ong, Joo L.
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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.