New coatings for medical devices to prevent blood clots and infections
Engineering nitric oxide releasing polymer with immobilized thrombin inhibitor for blood contacting applications
This project is creating special coatings for medical devices like catheters to help stop blood clots and dangerous infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11003337 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many medical devices, such as catheters, can unfortunately lead to serious problems like blood clots and bacterial infections, which can be life-threatening. Current solutions often only address one problem, like preventing clots, but not infections, or vice versa. This research aims to develop a new type of coating that releases nitric oxide, a natural substance found in our bodies, to tackle both issues at once. By mimicking how our own bodies prevent clotting and fight bacteria, this coating could make medical devices much safer and more effective for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who require medical devices that come into contact with blood, such as catheters, could potentially benefit from this technology in the future.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require implanted or blood-contacting medical devices would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new coating could significantly reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots and infections associated with implanted medical devices, improving patient safety and outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has shown that nitric oxide release from polymer surfaces can effectively prevent platelet activation and bacterial infection.
Where this research is happening
Athens, United States
- University of Georgia — Athens, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handa, Hitesh — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Handa, Hitesh
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.