Exploring a new type of bacteria that can deliver drugs without growing uncontrollably
Dissecting the non-growing-but-active state of a hybrid bacteria-material microdevice
This study is exploring a new device that uses specially designed bacteria and materials to safely deliver medicine and edit genes, aiming to provide patients with more effective and safer treatments right where they need them, without the worry of the bacteria growing out of control.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875456 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel hybrid microdevice that combines engineered bacteria with synthetic materials to create a system capable of drug delivery and gene editing without the risk of uncontrolled bacterial growth. The approach focuses on maintaining the bacteria's active functions, such as movement and response to stimuli, while preventing replication. By ensuring that these bacteria remain non-growing, the research aims to enhance the precision of drug dosing and minimize potential risks associated with bacterial mutations. Patients may benefit from more effective and safer treatments delivered directly to disease sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring targeted drug delivery or gene editing therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve the need for localized drug delivery or gene editing may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective drug delivery systems that utilize engineered bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of using engineered bacteria for therapeutic purposes is being explored, this specific approach of creating non-growing but active bacteria is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Cheemeng — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Tan, Cheemeng
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.