Developing coatings that prevent bacteria from sticking and reduce their harmful effects
Official title: Slippery Nanoemulsion-Infused Polymer Coatings that Prevent Bacterial Fouling and Block Bacterial Virulence
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10816576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new types of surfaces that are super slippery to help stop bacteria from sticking around in hospitals, making them safer for patients by reducing infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB033622-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10816576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing medical procedures or treatments in clinical settings where bacterial infections are a concern.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing any medical procedures or who are not at risk of bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative surfaces and coatings that are infused with slippery nanoemulsions to prevent bacteria from adhering and to reduce their virulence in healthcare environments. The project aims to design and test these new surfaces, which can not only resist bacterial fouling but also release active agents to further combat bacterial growth. By addressing the persistent issue of bacterial contamination in clinical settings, this research seeks to enhance patient safety and improve health outcomes. The approach combines advanced materials science with practical applications in infection control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of infections in healthcare settings, leading to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing anti-fouling surfaces, but this approach using slippery nanoemulsions represents a novel and untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynn, David M — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lynn, David M
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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.