Phenolics-Depleting Chip to improve insulin pumps
Official title: Development of a Phenolics Depletion Chip (PDC) for Use in Insulin Delivery Patch Pumps
Funded at Sfc Fluidics, LLC · NIH-11401313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, low-power chip is being developed to remove phenolic compounds from insulin before it is delivered by a wearable insulin pump, with the goal of reducing irritation and extending device life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sfc Fluidics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK146368-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals using wearable insulin infusion devices who experience skin irritation or device-life limitations related to phenolic preservatives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using phenolic-containing insulin formulations or not using wearable insulin pumps may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a tiny, energy-efficient phenolic depletion chip (PDC) that treats insulin just before it enters a body-worn patch pump. Researchers will modify a flow-through ring electrode with special coatings to oxidize and trap phenolic preservatives like phenol and meta-cresol. They will optimize the device design and operating parameters and ensure the PDC can lower phenolic load without harming insulin. If successful, the PDC could enable longer-lasting wearable insulin devices and smoother integration with continuous glucose monitors. The work progresses from concept to a working prototype in Phase I to demonstrate feasibility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience more reliable wearable insulin delivery with fewer site issues and better compatibility with CGMs.
How similar studies have gone: This is an early-stage development; prior demonstrations exist for related device components, but full patient-facing impact remains to be shown.
Where this research is happening
-
Sfc Fluidics, LLC
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Forrest — Sfc Fluidics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Payne, Forrest
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Development of a dual hormone artificial pancreas device
This study is working on a new device called the Gemini-DHAP that automatically gives insulin and glucagon to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels more easily and accurately.
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.