New contraceptive device using smart polymer fibers
Official title: SMART Polymer Fibers For Tampon-Like Nonsteroidal Contraceptive Devices
Funded at St. Louis College of Pharmacy · NIH-10689053 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new type of birth control that uses special materials to create a safe environment in the vagina that makes it hard for sperm to move, offering a hormone-free option for people looking for on-demand contraception.
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) | $709,352 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HD099748-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10689053 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women seeking non-hormonal contraceptive methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking contraception or those who have contraindications to vaginal devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel contraceptive method that utilizes smart polymer fibers designed to create an inhospitable environment for sperm upon exposure to seminal fluid. The approach involves developing mucoadhesive, bioresponsive materials that maintain a physiologically acidic pH, which is crucial for reducing sperm motility. By transforming the vaginal cavity into a protective environment, this method aims to provide on-demand contraception without the use of hormones. The research is focused on advancing this innovative technology towards human testing more efficiently than traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide women with a new, non-hormonal contraceptive option that is easy to use and effective.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using bioresponsive materials for contraception is innovative, similar approaches in the field of non-drug contraceptives 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
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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.