Breaking up Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Official title: Dispersion and the Biofilm Matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at State University of Ny,binghamton · NIH-11285467 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for ways to break apart protective Pseudomonas biofilms so antibiotics work better for people with these infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of Ny,binghamton NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Binghamton, United States) |
| Project start | March 25, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $287,176 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150761-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11285467 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic or hospital-acquired Pseudomonas infections (for example ventilator-associated pneumonia, wound infections, or bacteremia) would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical interventions in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Pseudomonas infections or whose infections are caused by other bacteria are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells leave protective biofilms and what genes are active in those dispersed cells. They use gene sequencing (RNA-seq) and laboratory models to map the “dispersion regulon” that controls escape from biofilms. The team will test how dispersion changes bacterial behavior and antibiotic susceptibility, and use animal models to explore safety and effectiveness. The goal is to identify points where interventions could make chronic, biofilm-based infections easier to treat.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make antibiotics more effective against chronic, biofilm-associated Pseudomonas infections and help clear stubborn hospital-acquired infections.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory studies have shown that forcing bacteria out of biofilms can increase antibiotic sensitivity, but turning that idea into safe, effective patient treatments is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of Ny,binghamton
Binghamton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sauer, Karin — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Sauer, Karin
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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.