Phage-Protein Nanoparticles to Treat Hard-to-Reach Wound Biofilms
Official title: Phage-Polymer Nanoparticles for Treatment of Antibiotic-Recalcitrant Wound Biofilm Infections
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11348260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses virus-carrying nanoparticles to penetrate and kill bacteria in stubborn wound biofilms where traditional antibiotics often fail.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $554,262 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI186027-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348260 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with antibiotic-refractory wound infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-biofilm wounds or infections not driven by antibiotic resistance may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you have a wound that's infected with tough biofilms, this project aims to create polymer-coated phages that can reach into the biofilm and kill bacteria more effectively. The researchers will make and test different polymer-phage combinations in lab settings and animal models, then apply their best formulations to understand how well they work. The goal is to develop a treatment that works alongside or beyond standard antibiotics to clear infections and speed healing. This work builds on prior findings showing that engineered polymers can help phages stay infectious and penetrate biofilms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new, more effective therapy for difficult wound infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest polymer-coated phages can improve biofilm targeting and efficacy in lab and animal models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rotello, Vincent M. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Rotello, Vincent M.
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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.