How Common Disinfectants Affect Your Gut and Liver
Impact of benzalkonium chloride on gut microbiome and gut-liver interactions
This project looks at how common disinfectants, called benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), might change the helpful bacteria in your gut and affect your liver.
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 ID | NIH-11195004 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are found in many everyday products like disinfectants and medical supplies, meaning we are often exposed to them. This project aims to understand how these chemicals affect the balance of bacteria in your gut, known as the gut microbiome. Researchers will also explore how these changes in gut bacteria might then influence your liver's health and its ability to process substances. The goal is to learn more about the connection between these common chemicals, your gut, and your liver.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not currently involve direct patient participation, but future studies might seek individuals with varying levels of exposure to common disinfectants.
Not a fit: Patients not exposed to benzalkonium chlorides or those without gut or liver concerns related to such exposures may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how common chemicals affect our gut and liver health, potentially leading to new ways to protect ourselves from harmful exposures.
How similar studies have performed: While BACs are known antimicrobials, their specific effects on the human gut microbiome and the gut-liver axis are not well-understood, making this a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Libin — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Xu, Libin
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.