Rapid pathogen ID and antibiotic testing for bacteremia using immune capture, microfluidics, and AI
Official title: Rapid Pathogen ID and AST for Bacteremia Diagnosis via Integration of Immunocapture, Microfluidics, and Artificial Intelligence
Funded at Southern Illinois University Carbondale · NIH-11445199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A fast, AI-assisted diagnostic system will identify bacteria in blood and determine which antibiotics are likely to work, helping doctors treat bacteremia sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois University Carbondale NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Carbondale, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $547,292 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI197131-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with suspected bacteremia or bloodstream infections who could benefit from rapid ID and AST.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without suspected bacteremia or whose condition does not involve bloodstream infection may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop a rapid diagnostic platform that captures bacteria from blood, concentrates them in a microfluidic device, and identifies them at the single-cell level while testing antibiotic susceptibility. An AI algorithm will analyze the single-cell data in real time to deliver accurate results and support timely antibiotic decisions. The approach uses magnetic nanoparticles to pull bacteria out of the blood, then microfluidics to isolate and test them, reducing dependence on slow blood cultures. By providing faster, evidence-based guidance, patients could receive targeted therapy earlier and potentially have better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with bacteremia could receive appropriate antibiotics sooner, reducing mortality and hospital stays.
How similar studies have gone: Similar rapid diagnostic approaches are being explored, with early signs of success in reducing time to results, but this exact integration is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hui — Southern Illinois University Carbondale
- Study coordinator: Li, Hui
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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.