A device to detect heart damage in real-time
Official title: Implantable real-time troponin biosensor for early diagnosis of silent cardiac injuries
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10932735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a small device that can be placed inside the body to keep an eye on heart health by checking for signs of silent heart attacks, helping doctors catch problems early and keep your heart safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $422,987 |
| NIH project number | 7R21EB034085-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of silent myocardial infarctions, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already experienced symptomatic heart attacks or those without risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an implantable biosensor that continuously monitors cardiac troponin levels in the blood, which can indicate silent heart attacks that often go unnoticed. By providing real-time data on troponin levels, the device aims to enable timely diagnosis and treatment of silent myocardial infarctions, potentially preventing further heart damage. The approach involves creating a highly sensitive and self-sustaining sensor that can function effectively within the body's complex environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment of silent heart attacks, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of real-time biosensing is innovative, similar approaches in continuous monitoring of other biomarkers have shown promise in improving patient care.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeng, Xiangqun — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Zeng, Xiangqun
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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.