NIH-funded research R21 grant

A new dressing for catheters that detects infections early

Official title: An Integrated Catheter Dressing for Early Detection of Catheter-related Bloodstream Infections

Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-10911827 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new type of dressing for catheters that can automatically check for bacteria at the insertion site, helping to prevent infections for patients who need catheters.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTexas A&m University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Station, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$219,251
NIH project number5R21GM150104-02
Project IDNIH-10911827 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require central venous catheters and are at risk for catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not require catheterization or have existing severe infections may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an innovative catheter dressing that can automatically detect bacterial growth at the catheter insertion site, which is crucial for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). The approach involves using flexible biosensors that adhere seamlessly to the skin, allowing for real-time monitoring of bacterial colonization without needing to remove the catheter. By identifying infections early, healthcare providers can promptly replace the catheter and initiate tailored antibiotic therapy, improving patient outcomes. The study aims to address a significant clinical challenge in managing CRBSI, which affects a large number of patients each year.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections and improve patient safety and treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in catheter care, the specific approach of using flexible biosensors for early infection detection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.

Where this research is happening

  • Texas A&m University
    College Station, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ceylan Koydemir, Hatice — Texas A&m University
  • Study coordinator: Ceylan Koydemir, Hatice

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.