The University of Connecticut (UConn) received a $529,833 Project Grant award under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health (CFDA 93.286) program from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). The grant supports the development of a novel, fully biodegradable "bionic" bone scaffold that can electrically stimulate bone regeneration when exposed to ultrasound. Key product objectives include:
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Assessing the piezoelectric charge generation, mechanical/degradation properties, and osteogenic potential of the scaffold material in vitro with ultrasound activation.
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Evaluating the scaffold's ability to heal critical-sized long bone defects in vivo using a rabbit model with ultrasound stimulation.
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Studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the scaffold's capacity to enhance stem cell-driven bone regeneration.
UConn is the prime awardee on this 4-year grant, with a sub-award to the UConn Health Center to provide consulting and collaborate on the in vitro and in vivo assessments, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms of the scaffold-induced osteogenesis.
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