I-Corps: Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment and Arteriogenic Hydrogels

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The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is the development of biomaterials and vascular therapies. This project may enable the exploration of arteriogenic therapeutics such as hydrogels, in clinical applications. The potential treatment may serve as a novel treatment option that is minimally invasive and provide an effective long-term solution. This hydrogel technology may also provide a learning opportunity for the medical field to better understand how therapeutics impact patient care and biological functions. For instance, use of the hydrogel has the potential to reduce the overall cost of care for patients, providers, and payors while improving patient quality of life.This I-Corps project is based on the development of an adaptable biomaterial that could be used to treat multiple indications. Better understanding the utility potential of such a technology would open doors future advanced arteriogenic therapies. This product may have the ability to grow large, smooth-muscle lined arterioles capable of handling bulk blood flow. Use of the proposed hydrogels could improve patient care and treatment of ischemic conditions, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or stroke. The hydrogel is a polymer-based biomaterial containing an active peptide, which works to promote the growth and integration of new blood vessels. Minimally invasive relative to existing treatment options, injection of this hydrogel at sites of arterial occlusion may help to naturally restore blood supply to the effected tissues and prevent further complications.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.