Bacteria-responsive hydrogel that releases antibiotics and probiotics for chronic wound infections
Official title: Bacteria-Triggered Hydrogel Delivery of Antibiotics and Probiotics for the Treatment of Chronic Wound Infections
Funded at Brown University · NIH-11365476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A bacteria-triggered hydrogel dressing delivers antibiotics and helpful probiotics directly to chronic wounds, aiming to fight resistant bacteria and promote healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $542,599 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI193021-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic wound infections, particularly those involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria, who require localized wound care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic wounds or with wounds not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project seeks a smart wound dressing that stays hydrated and oxygen-rich while releasing medicines only when bacteria are present. It combines antibiotics with probiotics like Lactobacilli to disrupt biofilms formed by bugs such as MRSA and Pseudomonas, potentially reducing resistance development. The dressing uses bacteria-responsive materials that release drugs on demand, targeting infection locally without constant high-dose exposure. The work is designed to translate into a patient-facing wound care option that could improve healing times and reduce complications from resistant infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with chronic wound infections could experience faster healing and fewer complications through targeted, on-demand treatment that minimizes antibiotic overuse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with bacteria-responsive hydrogels shows promise, but integrating probiotics and antibiotics for real-time on-demand release is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Brown University
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shukla, Anita — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Shukla, Anita
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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.