Investigating how certain sugars in bacteria help form protective layers against infections
Chemical and biochemical tools to study the functions of exopolysaccharides in bacterial biofilms
This study is looking at how certain sugars help bacteria stick together and form protective layers that can cause infections in hospitals, and it aims to find new ways to break down these layers to create better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11036902 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of exopolysaccharides, specifically poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), in the formation of bacterial biofilms that can lead to hospital-acquired infections. By exploring how these sugars interact with bacterial cells and contribute to biofilm stability, the research aims to develop new methods to disrupt these biofilms. The approach includes using enzymes to break down PNAG and other components, potentially leading to more effective treatments for infections caused by biofilms. Patients may benefit from improved therapies that target these protective barriers in bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients who are at risk of or currently suffering from hospital-acquired infections caused by bacterial biofilms.
Not a fit: Patients with infections not related to bacterial biofilms or those who do not have hospital-acquired infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively combat bacterial infections associated with biofilms, reducing hospital-acquired infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting biofilm components for infection treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poulin, Myles B — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Poulin, Myles B
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.