How certain bacteria help clean up toxic pollutants
Official title: Mechanism of extracellular electron transfer in Gram-negative bacteria
Funded at Cornell University · NIH-10933727 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a type of bacteria called Shewanella can help clean up harmful pollutants like heavy metals by figuring out how they transfer electrons, which could make our efforts to clean up polluted areas even better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $329,615 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM154669-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933727 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in communities affected by pollution from heavy metals and organic contaminants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in areas impacted by toxic pollutants may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Gram-negative bacteria, specifically Shewanella, can be used to degrade and detoxify harmful pollutants like heavy metals and organic compounds. By understanding the mechanism of extracellular electron transfer (EET) in these bacteria, the research aims to enhance bioremediation techniques, which are environmentally sustainable methods for cleaning polluted sites. The study focuses on the proteins involved in EET and how they work together to facilitate the transfer of electrons, which is crucial for the bacteria's ability to reduce toxins. This knowledge could lead to improved applications of these bacteria in environmental cleanup efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and sustainable methods for cleaning up contaminated environments, benefiting public health and ecosystems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bacteria for bioremediation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cornell University
Ithaca, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Peng — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Peng
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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.