Matregenix, a California-based company specializing in nanofiber technology, has been awarded three Phase II contracts from the Department of the Air Force (DAF) through AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The contracts, totaling over $4.2 million, will support the advancement of nanofiber products for soft tissue repair. These projects aim to address critical challenges faced by the DAF and have potential applications for civilian medical needs.
The awards include a Follow-on Phase II SBIR contract of $1,248,992, a Follow-on Phase II STTR contract of $1,797,867, and a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract of $1,248,992. The focus is on developing innovative nanofiber solutions to repair damaged soft tissues.
Nanofiber Technology for Tissue Repair
Nanofibers, due to their structural similarity to the extracellular matrix, offer a promising platform for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Matregenix specializes in designing and manufacturing customizable nanofibrous materials for various applications, including filtration and biomedical sectors. The company's expertise in nanofiber manufacturing positions it to advance these technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
Sherif Soliman, CEO of Matregenix, expressed enthusiasm about the Air Force's continued support, noting that these contracts bring the total awards from AFWERX to six since last year, totaling $4,555,232. He emphasized the importance of this funding for a bootstrapped company in advancing biomedical technologies to benefit both the Department of the Air Force and civilians by addressing unmet medical needs.
AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory
AFRL plays a crucial role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of warfighting technologies for air, space, and cyberspace forces. AFWERX, as a directorate within AFRL, focuses on bringing cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the DAF's most pressing challenges. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability.
Matregenix's work aligns with the DAF's goals of fostering innovation and developing advanced capabilities to strengthen national defense. The nanofiber technologies developed under these contracts have the potential to significantly improve soft tissue repair outcomes for military personnel and civilians alike.
