Rechargeable anti-clot coatings for blood-contacting devices
Rechargeable Anti-thrombogenic Films for Blood Contacting Applications
This project is developing rechargeable anti-clot coatings for implants that touch your blood to help people with heart and vascular devices stay safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248859 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is engineering very thin surface films that coat devices such as valves, grafts, catheters, and pumps so blood is less likely to form clots on them. They plan to combine a durable synthetic heparin that resists breakdown with enzyme systems that can add or remove protective molecules so the coating can be 'recharged' after implantation. The researchers are also using computational and lab methods to reduce immune reactions to the enzymes used for recharging. The goal is longer-lasting, safer blood-contacting devices and fewer device-related clot complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or may receive blood-contacting implants—such as vascular grafts, artificial heart valves, ventricular assist devices, central catheters, or other cardiovascular implants—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without blood-contacting medical implants or whose clotting issues are caused by systemic disorders unrelated to device surfaces are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower clot formation on implanted devices, reduce bleeding risks from systemic blood thinners, and extend device lifetime.
How similar studies have performed: Existing anti-clot coatings are used clinically, but the concept of an enzyme-rechargeable film and a heparin designed to resist biodegradation is new and has limited testing in people so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chaikof, Elliot — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chaikof, Elliot
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.