Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute received a $400,753 Project Grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) under the Environmental Health program (CFDA 93.113), awarded July 1, 2026, with completion targeted for June 30, 2028. The project, titled "Engineered Probiotic Bacteria for Toxin Elimination," addresses lead (Pb) poisoning as a public health priority, particularly in low-income communities where exposure disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. The research focuses on developing engineered probiotic bacterial solutions as a cost-effective therapeutic approach to reduce lead exposure and toxin accumulation, offering an alternative to existing chelation therapy treatments that remain inaccessible to most affected individuals despite documented health risks at exposure levels substantially below current treatment thresholds.

The grant supports mechanistic research and technology development aligned with NIEHS's mission to reduce disease burden through environmental exposure mitigation strategies. The project leverages aptamer-based and bioengineering approaches to deliver innovative solutions addressing a significant gap in lead poisoning prevention and treatment, particularly for economically disadvantaged populations. This award reflects the Environmental Health program's portfolio focus on real-world environmental health threats and the development of accessible, scalable interventions to improve population health outcomes.