# Reduction of Intracochlear Trauma and Fibrosis Using Dual Network, Zwitterionic Hydrogel Thin Films on Cochlear Implant Surfaces

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · 2024 · $75,829

## Abstract

Project Summary
Bacterial colonization of biomaterials is a common complication that often leads to infection and
necessitates implant replacement or removal. Reducing bacterial colonization and proliferation on the
implant by changing surface chemistry shows great promising in reducing inherent risk of infection.
Recently, modification of implant surfaces using simultaneous photopolymerization and photografting of
zwitterionic methacrylate monomers cross-linked hydrogels to cochlear implant and tympanostomy tube
biomaterials, reducing protein and cellular adhesion and subsequent fibrosis. For this work, we will
further modify this hydrogel coating with a secondary network to enhance mechanical properties while
imparting anti-bacterial effects. By utilizing the inherent swelling of the hydrogel, we will incorporate an
interpenetrating secondary network containing cationic monomers with anti-bacterial properties. This
approach will result in a coating that is both anti-fouling and anti-bacterial, with greater durability than
single network systems alone. The overall objective of this research is to synthesize and evaluate the
ability of cationic dual network systems to inhibit the growth and adhesion of common infectious
bacterial species while maintaining the antifibrotic properties of zwitterionic hydrogel coatings. We
hypothesize that cationic monomers in the secondary network will exhibit significant bactericidal
properties while preserving the antifibrotic properties of zwitterionic hydrogel coatings. These hydrogel
coatings will significantly reduce the complications associated with bacterial colonization and fibrosis of
cochlear implant and tympanostomy tube biomaterials. Additionally, this work will provide a deserving
researcher from an underrepresented group an exceptional career training and mentorship experience.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11140136
- **Project number:** 3R01DC012578-12S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- **Principal Investigator:** Marlan R Hansen
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $75,829
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2013-03-04 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11140136

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11140136, Reduction of Intracochlear Trauma and Fibrosis Using Dual Network, Zwitterionic Hydrogel Thin Films on Cochlear Implant Surfaces (3R01DC012578-12S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11140136. Licensed CC0.

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