# Bioprinting of MSC Exosomes for Bone Regeneration

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · 2022 · $159,900

## Abstract

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived exosomes are versatile agents that possess immunomodulatory and
regenerative properties and can be engineered for enhanced tissue-specific activity. To extend the advantages
of such engineered exosomes, challenges to targeting, delivery and biomaterial loading need to be addressed
both spatially and temporally. Addressing this knowledge gap will be a primary aspect of my independent
research and this proposal is designed to provide me with the training and experience to transition into an
independent investigator. I propose that 3D encapsulation and bioprinting of engineered exosomes in hydrogel
carriers can address some of these challenges. On the foundations of my doctoral and postdoctoral work, I
propose to engineer a tunable hydrogel system that can serve as a versatile exosome carrier and delivery
platform. Two specific aims have been designed to test this hypothesis. In aim 1, I will encapsulate
engineered osteoinductive exosomes in a novel hydrogel system that contains exosome binding motifs that
have been identified in preliminary studies. The binding, release kinetics and functionality of the encapsulated
exosomes will be quantitatively analyzed and based on application-specific (bone regeneration here) selection
criteria, one candidate will be selected for aim 2. In aim 2, conditions for 3D bioprinting will be standardized for
generation of photo crosslinked bioprinted 3D scaffolds with encapsulated engineered exosomes. The potency
of these scaffolds to regenerate bone will be evaluated in vivo in a rat calvarial defect model. The successful
completion of this project will provide a foundational knowledge for the controlled release of engineered
exosomes and for their customized use in regenerative medicine using 3D bioprinting technology.
This is a newly emerging field that provides an opportunity for me establish a recognized expertise and foster
an academic career that focuses on regeneration using bioprinting of engineered exosomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10437003
- **Project number:** 5R03DE030198-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** CHUN-CHIEH HUANG
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $159,900
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10437003

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10437003, Bioprinting of MSC Exosomes for Bone Regeneration (5R03DE030198-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10437003. Licensed CC0.

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