# Mechanically active extracellular matrix fibers for tissue engineering applications

> **NIH NIH F31** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2021 · $28,017

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Tissues inherently interact mechanically with their surrounding matrix, but tissue engineering materials have not
fully exploited this interaction to enhance integration with the human body. Moreover, only a few materials have
been developed that allow control of drug delivery through mechanical forces, and existing methods use
synthetic polymers which have limited potential for tissue integration or use mechanically weak hydrogels. The
goal of the research plan is to develop mechanically active and tunable fibers of extracellular matrix proteins that
leverage mechano-biochemical properties to control cell behavior in cardiovascular tissue engineering
applications. The research plan proposes to develop a new class of materials that could improve long-term
patency of vascular grafts by delivering bioactive molecules that encourage endothelialization in response to
mechanical stimuli, while integrating with tissues more easily than synthetic polymers. The mechanical properties
of the material will be tuned by altering the composition. Extracellular matrix fibers of varied compositions will be
generated through wet spinning and mechanically tested in a wet and dry state using custom-built and Instron
tensile testers. This will allow us to determine the relationship between protein content and mechanical properties
like modulus, strength, and toughness in order to generate fibers with specific properties. New mechanosensitive
interactions between extracellular matrix proteins and their ligands, as well as the impact of these interactions
on cell behavior and signaling will be identified. To do this, extracellular matrix fibers will be stretched and binding
of proteins to the fibers will be observed through immunostaining. The interactions identified could be new
mechanisms through which cell detect the mechanics of their environment. Protein engineering will be used to
generate therapeutic proteins that release from extracellular matrix fibers in response to defined mechanical
stimuli, which could promote endothelialization of the material. The material could be used to enhance tissue
integration and improve long term outcomes in vascular grafts. Completing this project will help the applicant
achieve her career goals of becoming a leading industrial researcher because of the critical thinking,
experimental design, and new technical skills she will gain in cell signaling, cell behavior, and protein
engineering. The applicant will also improve her career trajectory by enhancing her communication skills and
conceptual knowledge through writing research papers, attending and presenting at conferences and seminars,
and running journal clubs. The supportive and collaborative environment of the Boston University Biomedical
Engineering department, as well as the relevant expert knowledge of her Sponsor, Co-sponsor, and
collaborators, will help the applicant successfully complete the training and research plans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10357564
- **Project number:** 5F31HL151082-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Gwendolyn Ann Hoffmann
- **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $28,017
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-02-13 → 2022-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10357564

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10357564, Mechanically active extracellular matrix fibers for tissue engineering applications (5F31HL151082-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10357564. Licensed CC0.

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