A new method for extracting molecules from living cells quickly and accurately
Official title: Droplet-based Spatially Encoded Live Cell Digital Extraction
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11135157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool that quickly collects tiny molecules from living cells without hurting them, which could help doctors better understand diseases like Alzheimer's and improve how we diagnose them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $164,271 |
| NIH project number | 3DP2GM154018-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, as well as those with other conditions that involve cellular heterogeneity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable, non-progressive conditions or those who do not have cellular variability may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a cutting-edge tool that allows for the rapid extraction of intracellular molecules from living cells at a rate of over 1000 cells per second. By utilizing advanced nanotechnology, the method aims to minimize damage to the cells while enabling detailed analysis of their molecular composition. This approach is particularly important for understanding the complexities of diseases like Alzheimer's, as it allows for the monitoring of cellular changes over time without harming the cells. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic techniques that can detect subtle changes in cellular behavior associated with various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and early diagnoses of diseases like Alzheimer's by enabling detailed analysis of individual cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research utilizing nanotechnology for single-cell analysis has shown promising results, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in understanding cellular dynamics.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ko, Jina — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ko, Jina
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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.