Award
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering 5R01EB026572-06
Developing a SMART scaffold for bladder augmentation
Recipient
Northwestern University
Award Amount
$611,890.00
Ceiling
$611,890.00
Awarded
January 16, 2026
Identifier
5R01EB026572-06
The award supports the development of advanced biomaterial scaffolds and bio-electronic tools for bladder tissue regeneration and real-time monitoring, aiming to improve outcomes for patients requiring bladder augmentation.
Description
This project aims to develop regenerative engineering tools integrating advanced biomaterials and bio-electronics to enable functional bladder tissue regeneration and non-invasive, real-time assessment. Key achievements include restoring bladder function in a baboon model using a biodegradable elastomer scaffold seeded with autologous stem cells, engineering scaffold microtopography to improve tissue features, wireless detection of bladder contractions, and integrating stretchable electronics into elastomers. The specific aims are to investigate electrically conductive and non-conductive microgrooved scaffolds for accelerated tissue regeneration and to develop wireless bioelectronic strategies for monitoring bladder dynamics.