Improving materials for medical devices that contact blood

Combinatorial Approaches to Improved Blood-contacting Polymer Biomaterials

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10680549

This study is working on creating new materials for medical devices that touch blood, like heart pumps and catheters, to make them safer and help prevent problems like blood clots and infections, which could benefit patients using these devices.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10680549 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing new biomaterials designed to enhance the compatibility of medical devices that come into contact with blood. By combining chemical modifications and surface texturing techniques, the researchers aim to create materials that reduce the risk of blood clotting and bacterial infections. The project involves testing these novel materials in both laboratory settings and in animal models to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing complications associated with blood-contacting devices. Patients may benefit from advancements in devices such as heart-assist pumps and catheters that are safer and more effective.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require blood-contacting medical devices, such as those with heart conditions needing assistive devices.

Not a fit: Patients who do not require blood-contacting devices or those with conditions unrelated to thrombosis or infection may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer medical devices that significantly reduce the risk of thrombosis and infection for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to improve biomaterials, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.