SBIR-STTR Award

The purpose of this project is to determine whether a low-energy electromagnetic field (EMF) can be designed to stimulate cells involved in wound healing (fibroblasts) or the immune system (monocytes). Preliminary data indicates growth factor receptors on bone cells can be selectively activated with custom designed EMF signals. Using this same technology, customized EMF signals will be designed to activate basic fibroblast growth factor receptors for stimulation of fibroblasts. A second EMF signal will be designed to activate interleukin 1 receptors for stimulation of monocytes. A method for activating specific growth factor receptors using an applied low-energy electromagnetic field (EMF) has numerous commercial applications. An EMF-based device for stimulating wound healing can be used for acute injuries such as those a soldier may experience in the field or chronic injuries as occurs in elderly patients or in diabetic patients. An EMF-based device for stimulating the immune system can be used in any situation that poses a challenge to the immune system such as infectious diseases, surgery, bullet wounds and extreme conditions

The project goal is to advance use of low-energy electromagnetic fields (EMFs)to target specific biological pathways associated with limb regeneration for the purpose of replacing lost limbs in humans due to military injuries. A tadpole regeneration model will be used to decipher biologically active molecules corresponding to loss of regeneration potential as a tadpole matures. These factors will be targeted using multiple modalities such as proteins, gene therapy, and EMFs with the intention of forming a blastema-like state in human cells. Collaborators include Indiana University, University of Illinois, and California Institute of Technology.

Keywords:
electromagnetic fields, tissue regeneration, receptors, growth factors, gene therapy, fibroblasts, blastema, signal transduction