Using phage-polymer nanoparticles to treat stubborn wound infections
Official title: Phage-Polymer Nanoparticles for Treatment of Antibiotic-Recalcitrant Wound Biofilm Infections
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-11224675 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using tiny particles that combine special viruses and materials to help heal stubborn wounds caused by bacteria that don't respond to regular antibiotics, and it’s designed for patients with chronic infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $593,860 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI186027-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224675 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with chronic wounds or infections that have not responded to traditional antibiotic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are not caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative nanoparticles that combine phages and polymers to effectively treat wound infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By creating polymer-phage conjugates, the study aims to enhance the ability of phages to penetrate and eradicate biofilms that are typically resistant to standard antibiotic treatments. The approach involves engineering new polymers that can encapsulate phages, allowing for improved delivery and efficacy against these challenging infections. Patients with chronic wounds or infections that do not respond to conventional antibiotics may benefit from this novel treatment strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new and effective treatment option for patients suffering from antibiotic-resistant wound infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar phage therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rotello, Vincent M. — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Rotello, Vincent M.
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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.