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-11037094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to fight stubborn infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria using special light-activated particles, which could help patients who struggle with these tough infections when regular antibiotics don't work.
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) | $68,645 |
| NIH project number | 3R16GM145434-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not receive any 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 silver nanoparticles and photodynamic inactivation, the study aims to develop a novel approach to combat the growing public health threat posed by antibiotic-resistant infections. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment strategy, which seeks to address the limitations of current antibiotic therapies. The research will involve laboratory experiments to assess the effectiveness of these nanoparticles against various strains of resistant bacteria.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using nanomaterials and photodynamic therapy to combat antibiotic resistance, indicating that this approach may be viable.
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
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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.