Research to focus on heart biomaterials
Clemson bioengineering receives major NIH award

Clemson University researchers will use part of a $17.3 million federal grant to develop innovative technology to replace damaged cardiovascular tissues and to improve implant performance. The research will focus on developing new biomaterials from living and man-made materials. The award is part of the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) at the National Institutes of Health. Through collaborative activities, Clemson, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina have received one of the largest awards ever presented to universities in South Carolina. The grant will be shared by the three research universities and four undergraduate schools in the state. Larry Dooley, associate dean for research and graduate studies is Clemson’s principal investigator.

“The baby boomer generation is aging, and we are working to come up with safe, resilient cardiovascular materials that can withstand the active lifestyles of our aging population,” said bioengineering department head, and associate principal investigator, Martine LaBerge. “This is regenerative medicine. We’re looking at heart valves and blood vessels reconstructed from both living and man-made materials.”

The South Carolina colleges and universities sharing the award are Clemson, University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Claflin, Furman and Winthrop.