NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Advanced imaging technique for analyzing biological tissues

Official title: Video Rate Photothermal Infrared Spectroscopy (VR-PTIR)

Funded at Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. · NIH-10919106 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new imaging technique that helps doctors see and understand the tiny details in brain tissues affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease much faster and clearer, which could lead to better diagnoses and treatments for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPhotothermal Spectroscopy Corp.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Barbara, United States)
Project startJuly 4, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$967,628
NIH project number1R44GM154516-01
Project IDNIH-10919106 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with conditions unrelated to neurodegenerative diseases or those not requiring advanced imaging techniques may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a new imaging and spectroscopy technique called Video Rate Photothermal Infrared (VR-PTIR) that significantly improves the speed and resolution of infrared analysis of biological tissues. By achieving 10-30 times better spatial resolution and operating up to 1000 times faster than existing methods, this technology aims to enhance the understanding of molecular bonds in tissues affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Patients may benefit from improved diagnostic capabilities and better-targeted treatments as a result of this advanced imaging technique.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment options for patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Other research in the field of photothermal infrared spectroscopy has shown promise, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in biomedical applications.

Where this research is happening

  • Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp.
    Santa Barbara, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Prater, Craig — Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp.
  • Study coordinator: Prater, Craig

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • High-speed, label-free chemical imaging for live cells in multiwell plates

    A next-generation PT-SRS microscope will let scientists image live cells in standard 96-well plates quickly and without labels.

    NIH research Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. · Santa Barbara, United States · NIH-11407011

  • High-Speed, Automated Analysis of Tiny Microplastics

    A new automated system to quickly detect and identify tiny microplastics (smaller than 20 micrometers) in air, water, soil, and food to help protect health and the environment.

    NIH research Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. · Santa Barbara, United States · NIH-11312399

  • Advanced Imaging for Alzheimer's Disease Research

    This project is creating a new, super-fast microscope to get a much clearer look at tiny details in tissues, especially for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

    NIH research Photothermal Spectroscopy Corp. · Santa Barbara, United States · NIH-11131289

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.