New electric-current treatment to tackle stubborn wound infections
Official title: A novel electric current-based treatment system for chronic wound biofilm infections
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-11362534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new electrical therapy is being tested to help treat chronic wounds infected with biofilms so they heal faster and reduce the need for repeated antibiotics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $347,584 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034806-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic, non-healing wounds complicated by biofilm infections who are undergoing standard wound care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic wounds or without biofilm infection may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and test a novel electric current-based system to deliver treatments directly to chronic wounds with biofilm infections. Researchers will explore how the device interacts with biofilm bacteria and wounded tissue to improve antimicrobial effectiveness while minimizing tissue damage. The study is designed with clinical relevance in mind, focusing on real-world wound care and safety in patients who struggle with non-healing wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience faster wound healing, fewer complications, and less reliance on prolonged antibiotic therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biofilm-targeting approaches have shown mixed results; this work seeks to improve efficacy and safety with a new electrical delivery method.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Siwei — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Siwei
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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.