Understanding how our bodies handle common chemicals called benzalkonium chlorides
Interactions between metabolism, transport, and toxicity of benzalkonium chlorides
This research looks at how our bodies process and react to benzalkonium chlorides, common chemicals found in many everyday products.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124203 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) are widely used in disinfectants, medical products, and many consumer items, meaning most of us are regularly exposed to them. Early findings show that many people have BACs in their blood, and there are concerns about their potential effects on our health, including the kidneys, lungs, and brain. This project aims to understand how our bodies take in, break down, and get rid of BACs, and specifically how they might affect kidney health. By learning more about these processes, we can better understand the potential risks of these common chemicals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to anyone exposed to benzalkonium chlorides through common products, which includes most people.
Not a fit: Patients not exposed to benzalkonium chlorides or those seeking immediate treatment for a specific condition may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand the health risks of widespread chemical exposure and inform safer product development or public health guidelines.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon preliminary studies showing BACs in human plasma and their metabolism and transport by human proteins, indicating a foundation of prior success.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Libin — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Xu, Libin
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.