Nitric-oxide releasing catheter lock to prevent infections and blood clots
Antibacterial and Antithrombotic Catheter Lock Solutions Based on Controlled Release of Nitric Oxide
This project develops a catheter-lock solution that slowly releases nitric oxide to help people with central venous catheters avoid infections and blood clots.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301005 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I have a central venous catheter and this project is making a special lock solution that slowly releases nitric oxide, a natural molecule that can kill bacteria and reduce clotting. The team uses S-nitrosoglutathione as a non-toxic nitric oxide donor and formulates it into host-guest complexes and nanocrystal suspensions so the release can be tuned from one day to over a month. They aim to keep nitric oxide levels high enough to stop bacteria and thrombus growth but low enough to avoid toxicity. The work includes laboratory and animal testing with the goal of producing formulations suitable for future patient use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have or need long-term central venous catheters for dialysis, chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, or frequent blood access.
Not a fit: People without central venous catheters or those whose catheter problems are already managed by different approved therapies would not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower catheter-related infections and clots without relying on antibiotics or systemic blood thinners, reducing resistance and bleeding risks.
How similar studies have performed: Nitric oxide–based antimicrobial and antithrombotic approaches have shown promise in laboratory and some early clinical work, but the specific controlled-release S-nitrosoglutathione catheter-lock formulations are relatively new and largely preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Xuewei — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Xuewei
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.