Using ultrasound to control drug delivery for bone healing
Official title: Ultrasound responsive hydrogels for stimulated combinatorial drug delivery
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10742110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help bones heal better by using special gels that release helpful proteins when treated with ultrasound, which could lead to faster and safer recovery for people with bone injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $361,317 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE032155-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with segmental bone defects or those requiring bone regeneration therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable bone conditions or those not requiring bone healing interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance bone healing by using ultrasound-responsive hydrogels that can deliver important growth factors, specifically Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP). These hydrogels are designed to release these factors in a controlled manner when stimulated by focused ultrasound, which helps to improve blood vessel formation and bone regeneration. By precisely controlling the release of these proteins, the research aims to minimize side effects associated with uncontrolled drug delivery, such as inflammation and improper bone growth. Patients may benefit from improved healing outcomes in bone defects through this innovative treatment method.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with bone defects, resulting in faster and safer healing.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using controlled drug delivery systems for bone regeneration, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayes, Daniel J. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Hayes, Daniel J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
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.