Investigating better methods to preserve the health benefits of donor milk for infants

Can high pressure processing (HPP) and ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C) treatment preserve donor milk bioactive protein structure and function better than holder pasteurization?

NIH-funded research Oregon State University · NIH-10873963

This study is looking for better ways to treat donor milk so that it keeps important proteins that help preterm babies grow healthy, using methods like high pressure and UV light, to make sure the milk is safe and nutritious for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOregon State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Corvallis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873963 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding alternative methods to Holder pasteurization that can preserve the bioactive proteins in donor milk, which are crucial for the health of preterm infants. The study will explore high pressure processing (HPP) and ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C) as potential techniques to maintain the structure and function of these proteins while ensuring the milk is safe for consumption. By identifying the optimal processing conditions, the research aims to improve feeding practices for vulnerable infants and enhance their health outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants who require donor milk for feeding.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not require donor milk for feeding may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved donor milk processing methods that better support the health and development of preterm infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that alternative processing methods like HPP and UV-C can preserve some bioactive proteins, but this study aims to systematically evaluate their effectiveness compared to traditional methods.

Where this research is happening

Corvallis, 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 2026-06-10 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.