Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering are launching a new study, funded by a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, to examine how Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria move through the human stomach. These corkscrew-shaped microorganisms are present in more than 13% of Americans and can lead to ulcers and even cancer.
The project aims to uncover how H. pylori navigates the thick mucus lining of the stomach, which could inform new strategies for blocking these bacteria and preventing related diseases. “H. pylori is the only bacteria that survives in the acidic environment of the stomach,” said Hadi Mohammadigoushki, associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. “They are able to penetrate the protective gastric mucus layer because of the way they swim.”
By understanding this movement, researchers hope to find alternative therapies for infections that may be more effective than current antibiotic treatments. Mohammadigoushki said, “By unlocking the mysteries of how these bacteria maneuver, we can open the door to alternative therapies that might be more effective.”
The research team is developing a miniature robot designed to mimic H. pylori’s motion within an environment similar to a human stomach. This will allow them to identify two key thresholds: the torque needed for rotation and the force required for propulsion through viscous fluids. “It’s akin to driving a screw into a wall,” Mohammadigoushki explained. “A gentle nudge won’t do the trick, but the right amount of force can make all the difference.”
Building on previous work published in Physical Review Letters that involved creating a 3D model of H. pylori, this new phase will incorporate advanced simulations alongside experimental tests. The team will use techniques such as prism flow analysis—dividing fluid flow into small sections—to gain detailed insights into fluid mechanics relevant to both biological and mechanical systems.
The broader implications extend beyond understanding H. pylori itself; findings could help develop micro-robots for targeted drug delivery or inform exploration technologies for natural resources.
“We want to develop innovative engineering designs that can benefit a large range of applications in both mechanical and biological fields, and studying the movement of these bacteria will help us accomplish that goal,” said Kourosh Shoele, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
The initiative also supports workforce development by establishing a collaborative research and education program in fluid dynamics at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
