Rapid antibiotic choices in 30 minutes for bacterial infections
Official title: A rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) platform using multiplex static gradients
Funded at Catholic University of America · NIH-11360836 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast microfluidic test that helps doctors pick the right antibiotic within about half an hour for serious bacterial infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Catholic University of America NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | May 7, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $596,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI199916-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360836 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with suspected acute bacterial infections, such as sepsis, UTIs, and acute pneumonia, who need rapid antibiotic guidance.
✕Less likely to help
If an infection is caused by non-bacterial pathogens or if rapid testing is not feasible in a given setting, the device may not offer benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to build a small, drop-in device that quickly shows which antibiotics work against a patient’s bacteria. By delivering results in about 30 minutes, it could guide immediate treatment for conditions like sepsis, UTIs, and lung infections. The team plans to compare multiple antibiotics and bacteria types to find the most accurate, fast method that clinics can use without specialized labs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could get more effective, tailored antibiotics quickly, reducing side effects and resistance.
How similar studies have gone: There is ongoing work on rapid AST methods, but this platform aims for broader species testing and faster results.
Where this research is happening
-
Catholic University of America
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Xiaolong — Catholic University of America
- Study coordinator: Luo, Xiaolong
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.