# Fibrin-Based Nanoparticles as a Novel Sealant for Vascular Anastomosis

> **NIH NIH F30** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2022 · $38,945

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Vascular anastomosis is an important surgical technique whereby closely spaced stitches are used to connect blood vessels.
This process is used frequently in organ transplantation, trauma repairs, and cardiovascular surgery. However, vascular
anastomosis is time consuming and associated with serious complications and long recovery times. Use of fibrin glue in
anastomosis has led to improved surgical outcomes and shorter operating times, but these glues are frequently impractical
as their concentrated formulations create high-density gels with short working times, low cellular infiltration, and cold
storage limitations. We have developed fibrin-based nanoparticles (FBNs) which we have used to deliver growth factors
and promote healing in vivo. Unlike traditional fibrin glues, FBNs are pre-polymerized and use physiologically relevant
fibrin/thrombin concentrations. Owing to their colloidal structure and the aforementioned properties, FBNs exhibit tunable
gelation, increased cellular infiltration, room temperature storage, and enhanced drug delivery capabilities – including of
fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), a known stimulant of vascular repair. The objective of this proposal is the optimization,
characterization and in vivo analysis of paintable and patch formulations of an FBN surgical sealant with tunable growth
factor release. It is expected that these FBN sealants will demonstrate better functionality than current fibrin glues, with
the benefit of longer work time, extended stability at room temperature, targeted growth factor delivery, and improved
healing outcomes. Aim 1 will optimize the formulation of patch and flowable FBN glues. This will occur through
characterization of the effects of changes in FBN concentration, thrombin concentration, and cofactor used, on the
mechanics and functionality of the glues. Testing will probe polymerization and degradation dynamics, structure,
mechanical properties, sealant ability, and safety profile. Modalities used will include rheometry, microscopy, mechanical
testing, and novel ex vivo and microfluidic assays. Aim 2 will optimize the loading/release of FGF2 by FBNs and
characterize the effects of FGF2-FBN sealants on vascular wound healing in vitro. FGF2 loading efficiency and release
characteristics of FBN sealants will be determined and compared to high-density bulk fibrin glues. Endothelial and fibroblast
scratch tests and wound closure assays will be used to assess healing outcomes in vitro. Aim 3 will compare FBN
formulations (gel and patch; unloaded and loaded with FGF2) to current fibrin glues using an in vivo leporine model of
carotid artery anastomosis. Angiography will be use to characterize vascular morphology and histology of sampled tissues
will be used to evaluate signs of healing, restenosis, and hyperplasia. This proposal’s use of FBNs will lead to a novel
surgical sealant with improved work time and tunable drug delivery profiles that boasts superior wound healing –...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10536988
- **Project number:** 1F30HL163869-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** Nina Alexandra Moiseiwitsch
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $38,945
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10536988

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10536988, Fibrin-Based Nanoparticles as a Novel Sealant for Vascular Anastomosis (1F30HL163869-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10536988. Licensed CC0.

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