AI-powered MegaPixel tool for rapid bacterial ID in sepsis care
Official title: AI-Driven MegaPixel Digital Melting Platform for Broad-Based Bacterial Identification
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11459351 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-enabled platform aims to identify bloodstream bacteria quickly from patient samples, helping doctors choose the right treatment within hours.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,875 |
| NIH project number | 1R21GM167182-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11459351 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected sepsis or bloodstream infections where rapid species-level information could influence treatment decisions.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage feasibility research that may not yet translate into immediate patient care for all conditions.
What this research studies
This project explores a high-density single-molecule melting approach to quickly identify bacteria in blood without waiting for culture. It uses a microfluidic chip and a universal 16S primer to generate melting patterns that an AI system may interpret to distinguish species. The goal is to provide rapid, species-level information early in sepsis management to guide antimicrobial choices. The grant funds proof-of-concept work to see if this rapid, culture-free method is feasible. If successful, it could shape faster, more precise treatment for septic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with sepsis could receive more targeted antibiotics sooner, potentially reducing mortality and complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work in rapid molecular diagnostics suggests AI-assisted pathogen identification is promising, but this exact approach is novel for single-molecule melting.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guan, Weihua — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Guan, Weihua
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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.