A special endotracheal tube that uses blue light to fight infections
Antimicrobial blue light-activatable optical endotracheal tube to combat biofilms on the endotracheal tube
This project is developing a new type of breathing tube that uses blue light to stop harmful bacteria from growing and causing lung infections in patients on ventilators.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients who need a breathing tube (endotracheal tube or ETT) can develop serious lung infections called ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) because bacteria form sticky films, called biofilms, on the tube. Current ways to prevent these infections, like antibiotics or silver-coated tubes, have limitations. Our team is creating an 'Optical-ETT' that can shine antimicrobial blue light directly from its surface. This light is designed to prevent bacteria from forming biofilms and to get rid of any biofilms that are already there, offering a new way to protect patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients who require mechanical ventilation and an endotracheal tube, as they are at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require an endotracheal tube or mechanical ventilation would not directly benefit from this specific technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new endotracheal tube could significantly reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia, a serious and often deadly complication for patients needing breathing support.
How similar studies have performed: While antimicrobial blue light is a developing field, this specific application of an optical endotracheal tube for biofilm combat is a novel approach pioneered by this research team.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Tianhong — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dai, Tianhong
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 below.