Exploring how electroactive bacteria can improve human health
Official title: Therapeutic and Catalytic Applications of Electroactive Bacteria
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11012044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain bacteria that can transfer electricity might help improve gut health, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to boost their well-being through probiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $321,484 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156283-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing gut dysbiosis or related gastrointestinal disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal issues or those who do not have a microbiome imbalance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of electroactive bacteria in human health, particularly how they interact with the gut microbiome and influence biological processes through a mechanism called extracellular electron transfer (EET). The researchers will engineer specific proteins to enhance the bacteria's ability to facilitate chemical reactions that could lead to new therapeutic options. By studying these bacteria in both healthy and diseased gut environments, the team aims to uncover their potential benefits and develop probiotics that harness EET for health improvements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve gut health and overall well-being by utilizing the unique properties of electroactive bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: While the exploration of electroactive bacteria is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in understanding their role in health and disease.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Keitz, Benjamin Keith — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Keitz, Benjamin Keith
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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.