Developing a coating for brain implants to reduce inflammation from bacteria
Official title: Antimicrobial Coating for Intracortical Microelectrodes
Funded at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center · NIH-10925536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make brain implants work better by creating a special coating that helps keep bacteria away during surgery, which can help prevent inflammation and improve how well these devices record brain signals for people with neurological disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 1I21RX004895-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing procedures involving intracortical microelectrodes for neurological conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require intracortical microelectrodes or have conditions unrelated to neuroinflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the performance of intracortical microelectrodes, which are used to record brain signals for neurological disorders. It investigates how bacteria that may enter the brain during the implantation process can trigger neuroinflammation, affecting the microelectrodes' functionality. The study aims to create a localized antimicrobial coating that can effectively manage bacterial levels at the implantation site, potentially enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of these devices. By addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance and the impact of low-level bacterial presence, this research seeks to provide a novel solution to a significant challenge in brain implant technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for patients with neurological disorders by enhancing the performance and longevity of brain implants.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using antimicrobial coatings is being explored in other medical devices, this specific application in intracortical microelectrodes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amani Hamedani, Hoda — Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Amani Hamedani, Hoda
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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.