Objective
Catheter-related infections remain one of the most serious and costly complications in haemodialysis, affecting nearly 17.5% of catheterised patients each year and causing up to 15% mortality. Despite strict aseptic protocols and use of single-use catheter caps, infection rates continue to increase. Current approaches are inherently reactive, chemical- and antibiotic-dependent, fuelling antimicrobial resistance and generating significant medical waste. The clinical and economic toll is severe, costing European healthcare systems over €1.7 billion every year.
The GOcap®, developed by GOTECH Antimicrobial, introduces a paradigm shift in infection prevention. It is the first reusable, light-activated, graphene-based catheter cap that delivers continuous, antibiotic- and chemical-free antimicrobial action directly inside the catheter hub, the primary site of infection. Upon activation by near-infrared (NIR) light, graphene oxide (GO) generates a photothermal and photodynamic effect that destroys 99% of bacteria and fungi, including multidrug-resistant strains, without affecting patient tissues. The device is self-contained, automated, and reusable for at least six months, reducing consumables, cost, and waste while improving patient safety and sustainability.
SAFE-HD project will advance GOcap® from TRL4 to TRL6 through miniaturisation, design lock, and GLP-compliant validation, supported by ISO 13485-certified partners and clinical private and public dialysis collaborators (e.g. Diaverum, CHUSJ). Regulatory preparation (CE/FDA), quality management implementation, and market-readiness activities will ensure a clear and scalable pathway to market.
SAFE-HD will deliver a high-impact MedTech innovation: a new class of reusable, graphene-based antimicrobial devices that directly advance EU priorities on healthcare resilience and sustainability, driven by GOTECH’s multidisciplinary expertise in biomedical engineering, antimicrobial materials, and business.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- social sciences sociology demography mortality
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials two-dimensional nanostructures graphene
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology bacteriology
- natural sciences biological sciences microbiology mycology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy drug resistance antibiotic resistance
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
4200-384 Porto
Portugal
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.