New treatments for difficult-to-treat wound infections caused by bacteria.

Engineered Polymer Nanoemulsions for Treatment of Wound Biofilm Infections

NIH-funded research University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10872284

This study is exploring new ways to treat stubborn infections that don't respond to regular antibiotics, using special tiny particles in wound dressings that can target and kill the harmful bacteria while keeping healthy cells safe, which could really help people with chronic wounds or tough infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hadley, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872284 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing innovative therapies to combat multidrug-resistant biofilm infections, which are notoriously hard to treat with standard antibiotics. The approach involves creating engineered polymer nanoemulsions that can effectively kill bacteria within biofilms while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy cells. By incorporating these nanoemulsions into hydrogel wound dressings, the research aims to provide a controlled release of antimicrobial agents directly to the infection site. Patients with chronic wounds or infections that have not responded to traditional treatments may benefit from this advanced therapeutic strategy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic wounds or infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Not a fit: Patients with acute infections that respond well to standard antibiotic treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from stubborn wound infections, improving healing outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using nanomedicine approaches for treating bacterial infections, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Hadley, 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.