Sealant patch to stop air leaks in the lung and windpipe
Continued Clinical Development of a Novel Pleural and Tracheal Sealant
A flexible, seaweed-based patch designed to seal air leaks for adults with lung or tracheal injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173614 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a patch made from a modified seaweed-derived alginate that sticks to the lung or trachea to stop air leaks. They will refine how the patch is manufactured under GMP conditions, how it is sterilized and stored, and test its durability and safety over time. These tests use ex vivo work and animal models (rats and pigs) that mimic pleural and tracheal injuries. The goal is to generate reliable safety and performance data that will support later use in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with persistent or hard-to-treat air leaks from the lung or trachea, such as prolonged pneumothorax or bronchopleural fistula, would be the eventual candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: People with small leaks that heal on their own, children, or those with active severe infections or other contraindications are unlikely to benefit from this sealant as described here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the sealant could shorten hospital stays and reduce the need for prolonged chest tubes or invasive surgery by closing stubborn air leaks.
How similar studies have performed: Initial ex vivo and animal (rat and pig) experiments have shown promising safety and effectiveness, but human use has not yet been tested.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weiss, Daniel J — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Weiss, Daniel J
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.