A new disinfectant that creates a protective film to reduce infections in healthcare settings
Official title: Protective film-forming disinfectant based on chitosan/water/ethanol tertiary solutions
Funded at Vrm Labs INC · NIH-11083711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new disinfectant made from natural ingredients that helps keep surfaces in hospitals cleaner for longer, aiming to lower the chances of infections for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vrm Labs INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Easley, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,025,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI184140-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients receiving care in healthcare settings where the risk of infections from contaminated surfaces is high.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in healthcare settings or those who do not have a risk of exposure to healthcare-associated infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel disinfectant that combines chitosan, ethanol, and a natural antimicrobial agent to create a long-lasting protective film on surfaces in healthcare environments. The disinfectant aims to significantly reduce the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) by providing both immediate and prolonged antimicrobial effects. By utilizing chitosan, which has established antimicrobial properties, the product seeks to overcome the limitations of current disinfectants that require frequent reapplication. Patients can benefit from a safer healthcare environment with reduced infection risks due to improved surface sanitation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in healthcare-associated infections, improving patient safety and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with similar antimicrobial approaches, but the specific application of chitosan in surface disinfectants is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vrm Labs INC
Easley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meisinger, David John — Vrm Labs INC
- Study coordinator: Meisinger, David John
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.