This National Science Foundation (NSF) Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (CFDA 47.084) Project Grant award of $275,000 provides funding for the development of an innovative implantable system to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The system leverages distraction osteogenesis, a process of stimulating soft tissue growth by mechanically distracting bone segments, as a novel treatment paradigm for severe DFUs. The objectives of this Phase I project are to complete the design and development of a low-profile implantable transverse tibial transport device with an active mechanical mechanism to transversely distract or retract a cut tibia bone segment in a programmable manner. This system aims to stimulate the patient's regenerative mechanisms and promote neovascularization and circulation restoration to the diseased limb, healing the ulcer. The project will culminate in the feasibility development and testing of the distraction screw mechanism and actuation hardware platform for the implanted system, with the goal of advancing the technology towards future preclinical validation and human use.
Generated 2/25/25, 3:21 AM