Using light-activated silver nanoparticles to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Official title: Light-Activated Silver Nanoparticles to Eliminate Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria and Genes
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-10881983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to fight tough infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria using special light-activated particles, which could lead to better treatment options for patients who struggle with these hard-to-treat germs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $146,622 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM145434-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of light-activated silver nanoparticles to effectively eliminate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the genes that confer resistance. By harnessing the unique properties of these nanoparticles, the study aims to develop a novel approach that combines antimicrobial activity with photodynamic inactivation. This method could potentially overcome the limitations of traditional antibiotics, which are often ineffective against resistant strains. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that can address infections caused by these hard-to-treat bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanomaterials for antimicrobial purposes, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vivero-Escoto, Juan Luis — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Vivero-Escoto, Juan Luis
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how fetal male germ cells fix DNA breaks
Researchers are studying how DNA damage in fetal male germ cells is repaired to keep future sperm healthy.
-
Automated single-cell heart cell measurements to test drugs
A new automated system will quickly measure electrical signals and beating force in heart cells derived from a patient’s own stem cells to help predict drug safety.
-
Innate Immune Trigger to Boost Bone Infection Defense
Researchers are testing a way to wake up the body's own innate immune system to fight stubborn bone infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to help people with osteomyelitis fight bacteria more effectively.
-
Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
-
Substance P and worsening bone infection from staph bacteria
Aims to understand if a nerve-related molecule called substance P makes bone infection from Staphylococcus aureus worse.
-
Deciphering Pemphigus Risk Through Immune Gene Maps
A study to map the genetic and immune signals that raise the risk of pemphigus, a rare autoimmune skin disease, in adults.
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.