Investigating how sugars in bacterial biofilms affect infections
Chemical and biochemical tools to study the functions of exopolysaccharides in bacterial biofilms
This study is looking at how a substance called PNAG helps bacteria stick together in clusters that can cause infections in hospitals, and it aims to find new ways to break these clusters apart so that antibiotics can work better 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-10850959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of exopolysaccharides, particularly poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG), in the formation and maintenance of bacterial biofilms that contribute to hospital-acquired infections. By exploring the molecular interactions of PNAG with other components of biofilms, the research aims to develop new methods to disrupt these biofilms and enhance the effectiveness of antibiotic treatments. The approach includes creating tools for rapid identification of PNAG in biofilms and utilizing enzymes to break down these protective barriers. This could lead to innovative strategies for treating infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from hospital-acquired infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
Not a fit: Patients with infections not related to biofilm formation 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 more effective treatments for bacterial infections that are currently difficult to manage due to biofilm formation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous 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.