Mucin coatings on endotracheal tubes to prevent friction-induced tissue damage and biofouling

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Oliver Lieleg
• Subject Area: Biomaterials
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460209889

Whereas biofouling-induced infections have already been identified as a major complication associated with endotracheal intubation, the effects of mechanical tissue damage caused by the in- and extubation process itself remains understudied. The aim of this project is to fill this gap by mimicking the physiological in- and extubation procedure of endotracheal tubings in an ex vivo setting. With this setup, we will optimize the surface properties of endotracheal tubes by developing a biopolymer-based coating that increases the lubricity of the tube surface and improves its resistance towards biofouling events, i.e., the undesired adsorption of proteins, lipids, bacteria and eukaryotic cells.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants