Understanding how skin bacteria interact to improve skin health
Official title: Microbe-Microbe and Microbe-Host Interactions Relevant to the Skin Microbiome
Funded at University of North Carolina Greensboro · NIH-11062242 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the good bacteria on our skin to see how they work together and how they can help keep our skin healthy, with the goal of creating better skincare products that could benefit you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Greensboro NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greensboro, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,766 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AT012837-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062242 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing skin health issues or those interested in improving their skin condition through probiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions that are not influenced by microbial interactions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the human skin microbiome, focusing on how beneficial bacteria interact with each other and with our skin. It aims to identify specific bacteria, like Staphylococcus hominis, that produce substances with antimicrobial properties. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to develop effective probiotics that can be applied topically to enhance skin health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved skincare products and treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new probiotic treatments that improve skin health and prevent skin diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using probiotics for skin health, indicating that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Greensboro
Greensboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bunch, Zoie — University of North Carolina Greensboro
- Study coordinator: Bunch, Zoie
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.