Understanding how Pseudomonas aeruginosa manages its power and survives in burns and wounds
Official title: Biological mechanisms and consequences of efficient extracellular electron transfer in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11358338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa use a molecule called pyocyanin to support biofilm growth and antibiotic tolerance in burn injuries and related infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $725,315 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI127850-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with burn injuries or wounds affected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection who could benefit from improved treatments targeting biofilm-associated antibiotic tolerance.
✕Less likely to help
If your infection is caused by a different organism or not biofilm-related, the direct benefit may be limited.
What this research studies
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common and stubborn infection-causing bug in burns and other wounds. The research focuses on how this bacterium makes pyocyanin, processes that help it survive in low-oxygen environments, and how these activities support biofilm formation and resistance to antibiotics. By studying extracellular electron transfer within biofilms, scientists aim to reveal critical steps that keep infections persistent and harder to treat. The project includes experiments in models that mimic human infection to connect basic biology with potential therapeutic strategies. The ultimate goal is to identify new ways to disrupt the biofilm and improve outcomes for burn patients and others affected by this pathogen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new strategies to break down biofilms and improve healing and antibiotic effectiveness for burn injuries and related infections.
How similar studies have gone: Past work has shown that biofilm formation and pyocyanin-linked redox processes influence infection outcomes, supporting this line of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, Dianne K — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Newman, Dianne K
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.