Developing smart catheters to prevent urinary tract infections
Controlling Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Using Smart Catheters with Rationally Designed Active Topographies
This study is testing a new type of catheter designed to help prevent urinary tract infections by using special surfaces that stop bacteria from growing, making it safer and more effective for patients who need catheters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10735881 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), which are common and serious healthcare-associated infections. The approach involves engineering smart catheters with specially designed surfaces that can actively prevent microbial colonization and biofilm formation. By using magnetically responsive pillars that can move and disrupt bacterial growth, the goal is to create a catheter that remains effective for longer periods without leading to infections. This innovative technology aims to improve patient outcomes by reducing the incidence of CAUTIs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require long-term catheterization, such as those with urinary retention or undergoing certain surgical procedures.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use catheters or have short-term catheterization needs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections in patients using catheters, leading to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to tackle CAUTIs, the specific use of smart catheters with active topographies is a novel and untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Syracuse, United States
- Syracuse University — Syracuse, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Dacheng — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Ren, Dacheng
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.