Using laser technology and special nanoparticles to treat bacterial biofilms
Official title: Anti-biofilm laser-mediated photothermal ablation via complex noble metal nanostructures
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-11056147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use tiny particles that can be activated by laser light to help fight stubborn bacterial infections that don't respond well to regular antibiotics, aiming to make treatment easier and more effective for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $229,736 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EB028838-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from chronic infections related to biofilms, particularly those resistant to standard antibiotic treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not associated with biofilms or those who do not have antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced nanoparticles that can be activated by laser light to effectively target and eliminate bacterial biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that can resist treatment. By synthesizing and characterizing these nanoparticles, the research aims to enhance their effectiveness in treating infections associated with biofilms. Patients may benefit from this innovative approach, which combines nanotechnology and photothermal therapy to improve treatment outcomes for infections that are difficult to manage with traditional antibiotics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanotechnology and photothermal therapy for treating infections, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hajfathalian, Maryam — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hajfathalian, Maryam
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.