A precise fullerene-based route to designer nanoparticles
Official title: A Fullerene-based Molecular Route towards Designer Nanoparticles
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11337552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher at Rutgers is developing highly uniform molecular nanoparticles made from fullerene that can carry imaging agents for MRI and fluorescence to help diagnose diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151131-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11337552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients who would benefit from advanced imaging to detect or monitor diseases, particularly where precise molecular imaging probes could guide diagnosis or treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing imaging-guided diagnosis or those without conditions that could benefit from novel imaging probes may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create tiny, ultra-consistent nanoparticles whose size and surface features can be precisely controlled. By using a hexakisadduct of C60 as a core, the team wants to build well-defined molecular particles that can be used for advanced MRI and fluorescence imaging. The work focuses on making these particles uniform, scalable, and suitable for accurate quantification in biomedical research. The approach seeks stronger, more reliable imaging tools that could improve diagnosis and monitoring in future clinical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from more accurate and reliable imaging tools that improve disease detection and monitoring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on molecular nanoparticles has shown promise, but achieving uniformity and precise surface control remains a challenge, making this approach notable but exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianyuan — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianyuan
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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.