Engineered probiotic bacteria to block lead absorption
Official title: Engineered probiotic bacteria for toxin elimination
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11374304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A recent NIH grant is exploring tiny bite-sized DNA molecules in probiotic bacteria to trap lead in the gut and prevent it from entering the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $400,753 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES038018-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include: individuals with known lead exposure or at-risk populations (e.g., children in high-exposure environments) who could benefit from a non-chelation, gut-targeted protective strategy.
✕Less likely to help
This approach may not benefit those without lead exposure or those with conditions precluding gut-targeted therapies.
What this research studies
This project uses engineered probiotic bacteria and lead-binding aptamers to capture lead ions in the gastrointestinal tract. In the lab, it builds on work in C. elegans showing protection from lead toxicity when aptamers are present. The team plans to translate these findings toward a safe, low-cost approach that could reduce lead absorption in people with exposure. If successful, the approach could complement existing chelation therapies, potentially reducing long-term health risks from lead exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lower the amount of lead absorbed from the gut and decrease long-term health risks for people exposed to lead.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results in simple organisms suggest potential for gut-targeted lead protection, but human data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farny, Natalie Gilks — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Farny, Natalie Gilks
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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.