# Novel Implementation of Microporous Annealed Particle HydroGel for Next-generation Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · 2024 · $121,125

## Abstract

Synthetic hydrogels offer a promising platform for volumetric augmentation of the aerodigestive
tract for precision medicine approaches. We propose that an ideal biomaterial platform for PPW
augmentation to treat VPD would provide a durable tissue bulking effect, maintain implant
configuration, and avoid FBR within a dynamic tissue environment. Specifically, Microporous
Annealed Particle (MAP) hydrogels are an ideal material platform for the minimally invasive
treatment of VPD. This novel biomaterial is a promising scientific advancement that has
implications for improving VPD in patients with cleft and craniofacial conditions, particularly
related to pharyngeal wall augmentation for managing VPD. There is a pressing need to utilize
novel biomaterials and minimally invasive approaches to improve long-term outcomes for
managing and resolving VPD. To address this need, we have developed a novel iteration of MAP
hydrogel that is optimized for muscle implantation, tolerates dynamic movement, promotes
excellent tissue integration, and provides persistent tissue bulk via 1:1 volume replacement with
tissue de novo. Application of this unique biomaterial for PPW augmentation in an animal model
will allow for novel analyses and new clinical applications for the MAP hydrogel. This proposal
specifically aims to (1) quantify changes in pharyngeal wall anatomy in a rabbit model after
pharyngeal wall augmentation and (2) identify the host-implant microenvironment required to
achieve in situ tissue regeneration following optimized MAP gel pharyngeal wall augmentation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10874560
- **Project number:** 5R21DE033155-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- **Principal Investigator:** James J. Daniero
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $121,125
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10874560

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10874560, Novel Implementation of Microporous Annealed Particle HydroGel for Next-generation Posterior Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation (5R21DE033155-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10874560. Licensed CC0.

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