Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Purdue University received a $120,937 Project Grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) under the Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.847), effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031. The award funds research to develop bioinspired, multi-antioxidant nanomedicine for improved treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). The project will synthesize and evaluate a library of ultrasmall chalcogen-phenolic nanoparticles (CPNPs) composed of elements from the oxygen family combined with natural phenolic compounds to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity while achieving kidney-specific drug delivery. The research builds on preliminary findings demonstrating that tellurium and caffeic acid-based nanoparticles (TECA-NP) exhibit potent antioxidant activity and therapeutic benefit in murine models of AKI.

The research deliverables include in vitro antioxidant activity evaluation of CPNP formulations (Aim 1) and the identification of candidate nanomedicine formulations with performance comparable to or exceeding existing prototypes. This work addresses a critical clinical need, as AKI currently lacks definitive therapeutic interventions beyond supportive care. The proposed nanoparticle approach aims to overcome limitations of conventional small-molecule antioxidants by improving bioavailability, enabling targeted kidney accumulation, and reducing required dosages and treatment costs while maintaining or enhancing therapeutic efficacy.