Using ultrasound to enhance treatment for chronic wounds
Official title: A theranostic ultrasound approach to improve chronic wound treatment using phase-change contrast agents
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10913590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help heal stubborn wounds by using ultrasound and special agents that can boost the delivery of antibiotics right where they're needed, making it easier for patients with chronic wounds to fight off infections and heal better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 24, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $538,033 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI167978-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic wounds, particularly those with infections related to diabetes or other comorbidities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds or those not affected by chronic infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve the treatment of chronic wounds by utilizing ultrasound technology combined with phase-change contrast agents. These agents can enhance the delivery of antibiotics directly to infected areas, particularly targeting biofilms that hinder healing. The study aims to address the significant challenge of bacterial infections in chronic wounds, which often lead to severe complications such as amputations. By improving antibiotic efficacy, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from chronic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic wounds, reducing the risk of complications such as infections and amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using ultrasound technology for drug delivery, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papadopoulou, Virginie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Papadopoulou, Virginie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ultrasound-powered therapy to boost antibiotics for tough, biofilm-covered wounds
A doctor-research team is testing ultrasound-triggered delivery using phase-change contrast agents to help antibiotics treat chronic, biofilm-filled wounds.
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Using ultrasound and tiny phase-change particles to help heal chronic infected wounds
This approach uses focused ultrasound together with phase-change contrast particles to help antibiotics reach and clear bacteria in chronic, hard-to-heal wounds like diabetic foot ulcers.
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Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
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Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
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Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Network at the University of Arizona
A NIH-supported project at the University of Arizona aims to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers by studying biomarkers and running high-quality clinical trials.
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.