# Hybrid repellant-antimicrobial gemini coatings for prevention of catheter-associated bloodstream infections

> **NIH NIH R43** · ACATECHOL, INC. · 2023 · $273,485

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Over 20% of the hemodialysis patients develop life-threatening central line-associated bloodstream infections
(CLABSIs). According to the CDC, >250,000 CLABSIs, having mortality rates of 14-40%, occur in the US
annually, and among them >100,000 cases are directly related to hemodialysis central venous catheter (CVC).
One of the tools currently used to reduce CLABSIs is the use of antimicrobial CVCs. However, the current
antimicrobial CVCs remain susceptible to biofouling (i.e., biofilm formation) as they do not display repellency to
biofoulants. In other words, host biomolecules and cellular debris from dead microorganisms can accumulate
upon their surface, thereby facilitating adherence of living microbia and their associated biofilms. In addition,
most antimicrobial CVCs function by gradually releasing embedded biocides/antibiotics with risk of developing
antimicrobial resistance. To address the problems, we hypothesized that incorporating biofilm-repellent
zwitterionic moieties together with antimicrobial gemini dicationic moieties into CVC surfaces, a synergistic
effect could be realized. Our preliminary study confirmed the synergetic effect. Technology innovation is 1) the
new CVC surface covalently immobilized with gemini dicationic moieties to provide best-in-class antimicrobial
properties without concerns of development of antimicrobial resistance; and 2) the new CVC surface
containing both biofilm-repellant and antimicrobial moieties to overcome the deficiencies of each alone to
prevent the root cause of CLABSIs. To demonstrate the feasibility of our technology, in Aim 1, we will
maximize the synergetic effect by iteratively optimizing the ratio between the antimicrobial and repellent
moieties with respect to antimicrobial efficacy, biofilm repellency, coating anti-infective durability, over varying
timeframes. In Aim 2, we will produce prototype hybrid CVCs, and compare their infection risks relative to
commercial antimicrobial CVCs against pathogens responsible for >90% of CLABSIs. In Aim 3, we will
evaluate bio- and hemo-compatibility of the prototypes using assays specified in ISO 10993-4 for hemolysis,
coagulation, complement-activation, and inflammation as well as leachate toxicity. Expected outcomes in this
Phase I include >20% reductions in proliferation, antimicrobial, and biofilm assays with a similar/better blood
compatibility compared to current antimicrobial CVCs. >20% reduction in the national infection rate with our
CVC product would prevent >50,000 CLABSIs, saving >16,000 lives and >$500 million direct healthcare costs
each year. Phase II will include in-vivo studies to ensure accurate translation of in-vitro and ex-vivo properties.
In Phase II, we will also initiate production of our prototype CVCs at a FDA cGMP compliant manufacturing
facility, subsequently apply for 510(k) clearance for subsequent clinical evaluation. Our serviceable obtainable
market (SOM) is the US CVC market, estimated to gr...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10697071
- **Project number:** 1R43AI177051-01
- **Recipient organization:** ACATECHOL, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Kollbe Ahn
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $273,485
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-03-22 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10697071

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10697071, Hybrid repellant-antimicrobial gemini coatings for prevention of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (1R43AI177051-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10697071. Licensed CC0.

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