Slippery coating to keep vascular grafts clear and clean
Official title: Slippery, Omniphobic Coating to Prevent Thrombosis and Biofilm Formation on Peripheral Vascular Grafts
Funded at Cerulean Scientific INC. · NIH-11364195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, super-slick coating is being tested to prevent clotting and infection on artificial blood vessels used in leg procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cerulean Scientific INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lancaster, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,072,347 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL172473-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with peripheral artery disease needing vascular grafts (ePTFE or other synthetic grafts) who are at risk of graft failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing vascular graft procedures or those with conditions that preclude device implantation may not benefit.
What this research studies
People with critical limb ischemia often need grafts to restore blood flow, but current grafts fail due to clots and infections. This project tests a tethered liquid coating that forms a thin, inert barrier on graft surfaces to resist blood clots and bacterial attachment under realistic blood flow. If successful, the coating could improve graft longevity and reduce complications after bypass surgery. The work combines materials science with vascular device testing to see if the coating stays intact and performs well in conditions similar to the human body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have longer-lasting grafts with fewer infections and fewer re-operations.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest the coating reduces occlusion and pathogen growth on vascular devices under physiological flow.
Where this research is happening
-
Cerulean Scientific INC.
Lancaster, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfarland, Todd — Cerulean Scientific INC.
- Study coordinator: Mcfarland, Todd
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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.