Innovative polymer fibers for non-drug contraceptive devices
Official title: SMART Polymer Fibers For Tampon-Like Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Devices
Funded at St. Louis College of Pharmacy · NIH-10831242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of smart fiber that can help prevent pregnancy by creating a temporary barrier to sperm in the female reproductive system, offering a quick and easy non-hormonal birth control option for those looking for alternatives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis College of Pharmacy NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 13, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $109,174 |
| NIH project number | 3R33HD099748-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking non-hormonal contraceptive options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking contraception or those who have contraindications to using vaginal devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the development of smart polymer fibers designed to create a temporary barrier to sperm in the female reproductive tract. By utilizing bioresponsive materials that react to seminal fluid, these fibers aim to maintain an acidic environment that hinders sperm motility, thereby providing a non-steroidal contraceptive option. The approach is innovative as it seeks to offer a rapid and cost-effective alternative to traditional contraceptive methods, with the potential to reach human testing more quickly. Patients may benefit from a new form of contraception that is easy to use and does not involve hormonal drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a novel, non-hormonal contraceptive method that is effective and easy to use.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar bioengineering concepts in contraceptive development have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pauletti, Giovanni M — St. Louis College of Pharmacy
- Study coordinator: Pauletti, Giovanni M
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.