Improving the breakdown of harmful chemicals using advanced materials and microbes

Synergistic Material-Microbe Interface towards Faster, Deeper, and Air-tolerant Reductive Dehalogenation

NIH-funded research University of California Riverside · NIH-10973608

This study is looking for better ways to clean up harmful chemicals in the environment by teaming up special materials with helpful microbes, making the cleanup faster and more effective, even when there's air around.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Riverside NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Riverside, United States)
Project IDNIH-10973608 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the bioremediation process for harmful halogenated contaminants by creating a synergistic interface between advanced materials and microbes. By integrating materials science with microbial processes, the project aims to achieve faster and more efficient breakdown of these contaminants, even in the presence of air. The approach involves investigating charge transfer mechanisms and optimizing nano- and micro-scale materials to improve the efficiency of electron donors, which are crucial for microbial activity. Advanced analytical tools will be used to understand the interactions between materials and microbes, leading to better treatment methods for contaminated environments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or communities affected by contamination from halogenated substances, particularly in areas where traditional remediation methods have failed.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by environmental contamination or those with conditions unrelated to chemical exposure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and faster methods for cleaning up hazardous chemical pollutants in the environment.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using similar materials-microbe interfaces for bioremediation, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Riverside, 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.
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.