Developing low-cost devices for generating nitric oxide gas for medical use
Official title: Optimization of Cu(II)-ligand catalysts, membrane materials, and coatings for O2-tolerant, portable, and low-cost electrochemical nitric oxide generation devices/catheters
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11019769 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on making easy-to-use and affordable devices that produce a helpful gas called nitric oxide, which can improve treatments for lung problems and help keep catheters safe from infections and clots.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $452,261 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019769 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients with chronic respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, or COVID-19, as well as those who require intravenous catheterization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have respiratory conditions or do not require catheterization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating portable and affordable devices that generate nitric oxide (NO) gas, which has important therapeutic applications in treating lung conditions and preventing infections. The approach involves using a novel electrochemical method to produce high-purity NO gas from nitrite ions, utilizing Cu(II)-ligand complexes. This method aims to improve the delivery of NO for inhalation therapy and to coat intravenous catheters to reduce infection and clotting risks. Patients may benefit from enhanced treatments for respiratory diseases and improved safety in catheter use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible treatments for patients with respiratory diseases and those requiring intravenous catheters.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nitric oxide for therapeutic purposes, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in treatment options.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehnert, Nicolai — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Lehnert, Nicolai
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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.