The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF) and MTF Biologics are now accepting applications for their Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program. A collaborative effort from The PSF and MTF Biologics that began in 2013, the program funds applied research on biologic reconstruction to enhance patient care. The deadline for submissions is December 3, 2018.

“To develop new clinical approaches and advance positive patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery, we need a constant stream of new research in the field,” says Arun Gosain, MD, president of The PSF, in a media release. “We are pleased to continue this partnership with MTF Biologics to fund the critical work of clinicians and scientists seeking to uncover new ways that human tissue can advance patient care and results.”

MTF Biologics has committed $1 million to The PSF/MTF Biologics Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program through 2021, and selected applicants may receive up to $100,000 to support 1- to 2-year research projects advancing the use of allograft technologies in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Supported research must include a strong clinical translation component that incorporates dermal, adipose, placental or other allograft transplant technologies.

“Through our partnership with The Plastic Surgery Foundation, we have been able to foster more opportunities for biological reconstruction research,” said Marc Long, PhD, vice president of R&D at MTF Biologics. “We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our mission of supporting surgeon-scientists and healthcare providers who are seeking new ways to save and heal lives.”

Over the last 5 years, The PSF/MTF Biologics Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program has funded projects from clinicians and researchers at institutions including University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of California, Massachusetts General Hospital, University of Pittsburgh, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, among others.

Recent funded projects include:

  • Optimizing Adipose Stem Cell Immunotherapy through Cell-Assisted Lipotransfer
  • Tissue-Engineered Lymph Node Transplantation for the Treatment of Lymphedema
  • Activated Adipose Stem Cells for the Prevention/Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
  • Tissue Engineered 3-D Ear Cartilage Construct
  • Skin Improvement in Radiation Wounds: The Impact of Adipose Derived Stem Cells
  • Perfusion Decellularized Skin Flap as a Dermo-Epidermal Scaffold
  • Bio-patterned DermaMatrix to Induce Islet Cell Allograft Tolerance
  • Evaluation of Human Acellular Dermal Matrix in Joint Arthroplasty

“Since 1987, MTF Biologics has given more than $50 million in grants to fuel important advances in regenerative medicine and serve as a driving force in creating research opportunities that advance the science of tissue transplantation,” states Jeffrey Cartmell, PhD, associate director of intellectual property & grants at MTF Biologics. “Prior grant recipients have produced exceptional work in their respective fields, and we look forward to funding the next generation of scientists as they uncover new solutions to improve patient care.”

Applications for the 2019 PSF/MTF Allograft Tissue Research Grant Program close on December 3, 2018.

For more information and to apply, visit The Plastic Surgery Foundation or email [email protected].

[Source(s): The PSF, MTF Biologics]