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Two-dimensional Nanosilicates for Transcription Factor Delivery

Award Number: R01EB037034
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2030

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Two-dimensional Nanosilicates for Transcription Factor Delivery - SUMMARY Osteoarthritis (OA), characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, affects over 27 million people in the United States, resulting in joint pain and restricted mobility. Despite the substantial medical need, current treatments do not modify the disease. This proposal introduces a novel class of engineered biomaterials, known as nanosilicates, for in situ cartilage repair and regeneration. Building on the PI’s patented technology, initial studies have showcased the chondro-inductivity of nanosilicates by activating key transcription factors such as SOX9/6/5. These nanosilicates interact with the cartilaginous ECM, ensuring enhanced intra-articular retention. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that delivering cartilage-specific transcription factors like SOX9 can augment the synthesis of cartilage-specific matrix, which is currently a bottleneck for healing critical-sized cartilage defects. While significant advances have been made, two essential questions remain to be addressed for the clinical translation of this technology. These questions are: (1) What is the mechanism and optimal concentration of nanosilicates for effective cartilage regeneration? (2) Does the delivery of SOX9 via nanosilicates facilitate the healing of major cartilage defects in large animals? To address these questions, Aim 1 is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nanosilicate-induced chondro-inductivity. Additionally, the team will optimize the intra-articular retention of nanosilicates and its ability to stimulate cartilage regeneration in an osteoarthritis rodent (rats) model. In Aim 2, the team will design, optimize, and validate the efficacy of SOX9-loaded nanosilicates for cartilage regeneration in critical-sized articular cartilage defects in swine (pig) knee joints. Key milestones include identifying the most effective nanosilicate formulation for desired in vitro properties (within 3 years), determining the best nanosilicate composition for cartilage healing in rodent models (within 4 years), and ultimately demonstrating the efficacy of SOX9-loaded nanosilicates in a large animal model (within 5 years). This approach ensures a systematic and measurable progression towards advancing osteoarthritis treatment in humans.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $483,246 )
2026	2026	TEXAS A&M ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION	3124 TAMU	COLLEGE STATION	TX	77843	BRAZOS	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	5/12/2026	NEW	$483,246
														Subtotal = $483,246

Grand Total All Awards = $483,246

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Two-dimensional Nanosilicates for Transcription Factor Delivery

Award Number: R01EB037034

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2030

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