Improving medical implants to reduce inflammation and fibrosis
Official title: Durable Zwitterionic Coatings: Dramatic Reduction of Implant-Induced Inflammation and Fibrosis
Funded at Zwicoat Materials Innovations, LLC · NIH-11008220 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make a common material used in medical implants, like cochlear implants and stents, less likely to cause inflammation in your body, so that these devices work better and last longer for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Zwicoat Materials Innovations, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Solon, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $306,864 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DC022208-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008220 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who require medical implants, such as cochlear implants or stents, and are at risk of complications from inflammation or fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require any form of medical implants or those with conditions unrelated to implant-induced inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a common material used in medical implants, to reduce the body's inflammatory response. By applying zwitterionic coatings, the project aims to minimize the adhesion of proteins that lead to fibrotic tissue formation around implants, which can impair their function and longevity. The study will investigate the effectiveness of these coatings in preventing complications associated with various medical devices, including cochlear implants and stents. Patients may benefit from improved device performance and reduced risk of infections due to better biocompatibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective medical implants, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with zwitterionic coatings in enhancing the biocompatibility of various materials, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Zwicoat Materials Innovations, LLC
Solon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hansen, Kameron Rex — Zwicoat Materials Innovations, LLC
- Study coordinator: Hansen, Kameron Rex
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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.