Using special coatings on pedicle screws to prevent infections after surgery.
Official title: Ceragenin-coated pedicle screws to tackle surgical-site infections.
Funded at N8 Medical, INC. · NIH-10602633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new coating for screws used in spinal surgeries to help prevent infections, making it safer and easier for patients to recover after their operations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | N8 Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dublin, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 2, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $258,455 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI174666-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10602633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing spinal surgery who are at risk for surgical site infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing spinal surgery or those who have contraindications for the use of pedicle screws may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new type of coating for pedicle screws used in spinal surgeries to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). The coating is made from ceragenins, which are synthetic compounds that mimic natural antimicrobial peptides and can effectively kill a wide range of bacteria and fungi, including resistant strains. By applying this coating, the goal is to reduce the risk of infections that can complicate surgeries and lead to longer recovery times. The approach aims to prevent biofilm formation on the screws, which is a common issue with current antimicrobial coatings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the rates of infections following spinal surgeries, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using antimicrobial coatings for medical devices, but this specific approach with ceragenins is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
N8 Medical, INC.
Dublin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brunner, Glenn — N8 Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Brunner, Glenn
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.