Using nitric oxide to improve antibiotics for treating infections and blood clots in medical devices
Official title: Nitric Oxide Functionalized Antibiotics to Combat Infections and Thrombosis for Extracorporeal Life Support
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11015889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to coat medical devices, like those used in ECMO for patients with serious breathing problems, to help prevent infections and blood clots, making them safer and more effective for people, especially those with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $440,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172496-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients requiring extracorporeal life support, particularly those with severe respiratory issues or complications from COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require extracorporeal life support or have no risk of thrombosis or infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new coatings for medical devices that can prevent infections and blood clots, particularly in extracorporeal circulation devices like ECMO, which are used for patients with severe respiratory failure. The approach involves using nitric oxide, a molecule that can inhibit platelet activation and bacterial growth, to enhance the safety and effectiveness of these devices. By mimicking the natural protective mechanisms of blood vessels, the goal is to reduce complications associated with device use, especially in patients with conditions like COVID-19. The research will explore how these coatings can be applied to various blood-contacting materials to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of infections and thrombosis in patients using extracorporeal life support systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using nitric oxide in similar applications, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Handa, Hitesh — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Handa, Hitesh
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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.