Ultrasound-controlled coating to release antibiotics from implanted devices
Official title: Ultrasound Controlled In-Situ Antimicrobial Delivery System
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11381671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new ultrasound-triggered coating on implanted devices can release antibiotics directly at the site to prevent or treat device-related infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $432,306 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE035280-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with orthopedic or plastic implants who are at risk of device-related infections could benefit from this technology.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without implanted devices or without infection risk may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a biocompatible, ultrasound-responsive coating made from PCL polymers that releases antibiotics when stimulated by focused ultrasound. The approach aims to provide on-demand, localized drug delivery to reduce infections around orthopedic and plastic implants. The research includes designing the reversible crosslinks that break under ultrasound to trigger antibiotic release and to remodel the coating surface as needed. If successful, this technology could reduce surgical complications, shorten hospital stays, and lower overall treatment costs for patients with implanted devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with implanted devices could experience fewer infections and less need for additional surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Similar ultrasound-triggered drug delivery concepts exist, but this project applies a novel coating design for real-time, localized antibiotic release on implants.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hayes, Daniel J. — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Hayes, Daniel J.
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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.