# Crosslinked Nanosponges for the Topical Treatment of Wound Biofilms

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · 2020 · $395,539

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Crosslinked Nanosponges for the Topical Treatment of Wound Biofilms
 The goal of the proposed research is the creation of therapeutics against multidrug-resistant
biofilm infections. These infections are very difficult to treat: The refractory nature of biofilm
infections make them highly resistant to standard antibiotics, a situation exacerbated by the
development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 In our research we will synergistically integrate the nanomedicine capabilities of Rotello with
biofilm expertise of Patel. In preliminary research Rotello has developed crosslinked
nanosponges imbibed with essential oil antimicrobials that penetrate and kill biofilm-based
bacteria with minimal effect on host cells. Patel has created effective wound biofilm models that
allow efficient assessment of therapeutics.
 In our proposed research we will develop new nanosponge therapeutics and test them
against biofilms in vitro, in co-culture with mammalian cells, and finally in vivo.
Aim 1: Rotello will fabricate and characterize polymeric nanosponges and optimize their activity
 against multi-drug resistant biofilms including S. aureus (MRSA) biofilm models. These
 nanosponges will be tested against mammalian cells in co-culture models, with the goal of
 maximizing antibacterial efficacy and minimizing mammalian cell toxicity.
Aim 2: Rotello will screen therapeutics including antibiotics, quorum sensing inhibitors, and
 siderophores to create Generation 2 combination antibacterial agents.
Aim 3: Patel will perform dosing and pre-clinical mouse studies of the optimized Generation 1
 and 2 formulations, determining wound healing activity. Rotello will screen for
inflammation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9962287
- **Project number:** 5R01AI134770-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
- **Principal Investigator:** Robin Patel
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $395,539
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-24 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9962287

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9962287, Crosslinked Nanosponges for the Topical Treatment of Wound Biofilms (5R01AI134770-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9962287. Licensed CC0.

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