Biocontained whole-cell biosensors to detect dysbiosis and inflammation
Official title: Development of biocontained whole-cell biosensors for the detection of dysbiosis and inflammation
Funded at St. John's University · NIH-11424406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is creating safe, engineered bacteria that can sit in saliva and signal early signs of imbalance in the microbiome and inflammation, potentially helping with early diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. John's University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Queens, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16AI201140-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for inflammatory or neurodegenerative conditions where dysbiosis markers in saliva could inform care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without salivary biomarkers of interest or without access to saliva-based testing may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project aims to design and test safe bacterial biosensors that respond to signals of dysbiosis and inflammation found in saliva. It includes building containment features so the engineered microbes can be used in future diagnostic devices without risk. The work also emphasizes providing a meaningful research experience for undergraduate students while exploring new approaches beyond current electrochemical sensors. If successful, this could lead to earlier detection of disease-related changes in the mouth and body, enabling timely interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could enable earlier diagnosis of disease-related dysbiosis and inflammation through noninvasive saliva tests.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows promise for biosensor concepts, though this exact biocontained whole-cell approach in saliva is being explored and is not yet proven in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
St. John's University
Queens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fernandez Juarez, Javier — St. John's University
- Study coordinator: Fernandez Juarez, Javier
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
From Symbiosis to Dysbiosis: How Resolving Inflammation Could Restore Your Mouth’s Balance
This grant explores how turning off the harmful inflammation in periodontitis and promoting natural healing could help restore the mouth’s healthy balance.
-
Antibiotics, gut health, and skin reactions in kids
A small study in children will look at whether antibiotic use and gut bacteria play a role in hives and related symptoms that children sometimes get after antibiotics.
-
Novel therapeutic to protect the gut after radiation
A new GI-directed treatment given after radiation exposure may reduce gut damage and improve survival in people exposed to high-dose radiation.
-
A new GI-focused treatment to reduce radiation damage after exposure
A potential GI-targeted therapy given after radiation exposure may help protect the gut and improve survival in people affected by radiation injuries.
-
How a mouth bacterium might fuel gum disease and heart risk
A small study will look at how a bacterium in the mouth that makes a reactive chemical (methylglyoxal) could drive gum inflammation and changes in the mouth’s bacteria, possibly linking to heart disease.
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.