Controlling bacterial infections linked to medical devices using light
Official title: Optogenetic Control of Bacterial Persistence to Study Biomaterial Infections
Funded at Syracuse University · NIH-11109701 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to fight stubborn bacterial infections linked to medical devices, especially those bacteria that can hide from antibiotics, and it’s for anyone dealing with tough infections that don’t respond well to regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Syracuse University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Syracuse, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,850 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI185651-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109701 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic infections related to medical devices, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that do not involve persister cells or those not using medical devices may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to control bacterial infections associated with medical devices, focusing on a specific type of bacteria that can survive antibiotic treatment by forming dormant cells known as persisters. The team will create a novel animal model to study these persister cells and their response to light exposure, which can trigger specific genetic responses in the bacteria. By using engineered E. coli and blue light, the researchers aim to better understand how to combat these resilient bacterial populations and develop new treatment strategies. This approach could lead to improved methods for managing chronic infections that are difficult to treat with conventional antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively eliminate persistent bacterial infections, improving outcomes for patients with medical devices.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using light to control bacterial behavior is innovative, similar approaches in other contexts have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Syracuse University
Syracuse, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ren, Dacheng — Syracuse University
- Study coordinator: Ren, Dacheng
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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.