3D-printed urinary catheters that release helpful probiotics to prevent infections
Official title: 3D-bioprinting of probiotic bacterial interference catheters for prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11304580 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project makes catheter tubing that slowly releases Lactobacillus probiotics to help prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,956 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139034-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11304580 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) who require short- or long-term urinary catheters or are at high risk for catheter-associated urinary tract infections would be the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People with severely weakened immune systems, those who cannot receive live bacterial products, or patients who only need very short-term catheter use may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
The team uses 3D-bioprinting to embed the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG into catheter tubing so live bacteria remain viable during storage. The printed tubing is designed to release live probiotics and their antimicrobial products, like lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, onto the catheter surface over time. Lab tests so far show the prototype keeps the probiotics alive and releases them steadily while limiting pathogen colonization, and the project will refine the design before moving toward patient testing. If all goes well, the approach could be tested in clinical settings to see if it prevents infections in people who need catheters.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower catheter-associated urinary tract infections and reduce reliance on antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Bacterial interference with Lactobacillus has shown promise in other settings, but embedding live probiotics via 3D-bioprinting on catheters is a novel and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gilbert, Nicole Marie — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Gilbert, Nicole Marie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.