Creating a new platform to discover and study bacteriophages
Official title: Development of an electrophoretic platform for bacteriophage discovery
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-11096069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that helps scientists look at different types of viruses that attack bacteria, so they can better understand how these viruses interact with bacteria and explore ways to use them in treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | May 28, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,756 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178332-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11096069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections that are resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections or those who do not have bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cutting-edge microfluidic platform that allows scientists to separate and study different species of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. By using this innovative technology, researchers will be able to analyze how these phages interact with their bacterial hosts and understand the fundamental processes involved. The platform will enable the direct measurement and imaging of phages and their interactions within complex microbial communities, providing insights into their behavior and potential applications in antimicrobial therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for combating bacterial infections using bacteriophages, offering an alternative to traditional antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bacteriophages as therapeutic agents, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Champion, Matthew M — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: Champion, Matthew M
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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.