Developing smart coatings to prevent infections in medical devices
Official title: Plasma-initiated Cross-linked Nanocoatings asAnti-infection Agents
Funded at Fairleigh Dickinson University · NIH-10885154 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new, safe coatings for catheters that can help prevent infections caused by tough bacteria, using a special technology that makes the coatings smart enough to detect and fight off germs, all without using antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fairleigh Dickinson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Teaneck, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $396,836 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI177531-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885154 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients who require the use of catheters or other medical implants and are at risk for infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require medical devices or have no risk of infection from such devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating innovative, antibiotic-free coatings for medical devices, particularly catheters, to combat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By utilizing argon plasma technology, the team is developing cross-linked nanocoatings that can effectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria and biofilms. These coatings are designed to be biocompatible and can sense bacterial presence, triggering a response to prevent infections. The approach aims to reduce the high rates of medical-device-associated infections and improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of infections related to medical devices, leading to better health outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar nanocoating technologies to combat bacterial infections, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Teaneck, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Traba, Christian — Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Study coordinator: Traba, Christian
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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.