Developing new chemical tools to fight antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections

Expanding the small molecule toolbox through novel applications of fluorinated alkenes

NIH-funded research University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11174098

This study is working on new tiny molecules that could help fight tough bacterial infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics, by looking at special compounds and a key enzyme that bacteria use to build their protective walls.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11174098 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative small molecules that can help combat multi-drug resistant bacterial infections. The team is exploring the unique properties of fluorinated alkenes to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics by addressing issues like regioselectivity in drug design. They are also investigating the MraY enzyme, which plays a crucial role in bacterial cell wall synthesis, to develop new strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance. By merging these approaches, the research aims to provide new solutions for treating infections that are currently difficult to manage.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from bacterial infections that are resistant to standard antibiotic therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with viral infections or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective antibiotics that can treat infections resistant to current treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing new antibiotics using innovative chemical approaches, indicating that this line of inquiry has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.