Effects of a common disinfectant on gut health and liver function
Official title: Impact of benzalkonium chloride on gut microbiome and gut-liver interactions
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10799427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common disinfectant ingredient called benzalkonium chloride might change the bacteria in your gut and affect your liver, especially since we've been using more disinfectants during the pandemic, and it aims to help us understand any health effects from long-term exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $648,691 |
| NIH project number | 1R01ES035021-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to high levels of disinfectants, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to benzalkonium chloride or similar disinfectants may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a widely used antimicrobial found in disinfectants, affects the gut microbiome and liver interactions. Given the increased use of disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study aims to analyze changes in gut bacteria and their metabolism, as well as how these changes might influence liver function. By examining human fecal samples and blood levels of BAC, the research seeks to understand the potential health implications of chronic exposure to this chemical. The findings could provide insights into how BAC impacts gut health and overall metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a better understanding of how disinfectant exposure affects gut health, potentially informing safer use practices.
How similar studies have gone: While the effects of BACs on gut microbiome have not been extensively studied, related research on antimicrobial exposure and gut health has shown significant impacts, suggesting potential for meaningful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Libin — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Xu, Libin
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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.