Developing coatings that prevent bacterial growth using liquid-infused surfaces
Official title: Slippery Liquid-Infused Polymer Coatings that Release Hydrophilic Antimicrobial Agents
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11046613 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new surfaces that can help keep hospitals cleaner by releasing special agents to fight off harmful bacteria, which could lead to safer medical devices and a lower risk of infections for patients.
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, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $164,643 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB034811-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046613 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing procedures involving medical devices or implants that are at risk of bacterial infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing any medical procedures or do not have devices that could be affected by bacterial fouling may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative surfaces that can release antibiotics and anti-virulence agents to combat bacterial fouling in healthcare settings. The project aims to design new types of liquid-infused porous surfaces, known as 'SLIPS', which can effectively reduce bacterial load and prevent harmful bacterial behaviors. By utilizing these advanced coatings, the research seeks to address persistent challenges in maintaining sterile environments in clinical settings. Patients may benefit from improved medical devices and surfaces that minimize the risk of infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant reductions in healthcare-associated infections by improving the surfaces of medical devices and equipment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using liquid-infused surfaces for antifouling applications, indicating that this approach may be effective.
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.