Breaking up Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Dispersion and the Biofilm Matrix of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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 ID | NIH-11285467 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: Patients without Pseudomonas infections or whose infections are caused by other bacteria are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
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 performed: 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
Binghamton, United States
- State University of Ny,binghamton — Binghamton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sauer, Karin — State University of Ny,binghamton
- Study coordinator: Sauer, Karin
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 below.