# Assessing the Impact of Macrophage Polarization Upon the Success of Biomaterial Implants

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2020 · $310,740

## Abstract

Abstract:
There are several criteria by which the success or failure of implantable materials can be measured; but,
without question, the manner in which the host responds to the implanted material will be a critical determinant
of outcome. Largely, the interaction of immune cells with implanted materials has been considered a precursor
to the foreign body reaction with associated negative impacts upon functionality. Recently, the role of the
innate immune system, particularly that of macrophages, in the host response to biomaterials has received
renewed attention. It has now been shown that macrophages, depending upon highly plastic and context-
dependent polarization profiles (i.e. M1 pro-inflammatory vs. M2 anti-inflammatory/regulatory), are also
capable of affecting positive outcomes following biomaterial implantation. This emerging understanding of the
essential constructive and regulatory roles of macrophages in positive outcomes represents a significant
departure from the classical paradigms of host biomaterial interactions. It now appears desirable that emerging
biomaterials-based approaches to tissue reconstruction should not only accommodate but also promote
involvement of the immune system to facilitate positive outcomes. However, such approaches cannot be
developed without a detailed understanding of both the contributions of individual macrophage subtypes to
tissue remodeling and integration and the context in which host encounters the implant.
 The present proposal seeks to develop a comprehensive and integrated approach to broadening the
current understanding of how macrophages, their functional subsets, and host characteristics affect the host
response to biomaterials. The proposed work builds upon our previous studies demonstrating that
macrophage M1/M2 polarization at early time points is predictive of downstream integration outcomes and that
the implantation microenvironment (i.e. tissue type, age, disease status) strongly affects the host response and
subsequent tissue remodeling outcomes. Additionally, we have developed a number of model systems for
assessing the specific contributions of M1 and M2 macrophages in the host response to biomaterials and novel
methods for the modulation of the host response at the biomaterial surface. Collectively, these studies will
provide crucial insight into the use of biomaterials as implants and provide methods for promoting improved
outcomes associated with their use.
.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9842548
- **Project number:** 5R01GM121558-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Bryan Nicklaus Brown
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $310,740
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-01-05 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9842548

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9842548, Assessing the Impact of Macrophage Polarization Upon the Success of Biomaterial Implants (5R01GM121558-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9842548. Licensed CC0.

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