Creating a quick test to detect a harmful toxin from cyanobacteria
Official title: Development of a rapid screening test for the detection of dihydroanatoxin-a
Funded at Attogene · NIH-10545266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a fast and affordable test to quickly find a harmful toxin made by certain algae, which can be dangerous for people and animals, so that health officials can act quickly to keep everyone safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Attogene NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $259,002 |
| NIH project number | 1R43ES034301-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10545266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals or communities at risk of exposure to cyanobacteria and its toxins, particularly in areas with contaminated water sources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in regions affected by cyanobacteria or who do not have potential exposure to dhATX may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid and cost-effective test to detect dihydroanatoxin (dhATX), a toxin produced by cyanobacteria that poses serious health risks to both humans and animals. The current detection methods are slow and expensive, leading to potential health hazards due to delayed responses. By creating a simple and efficient receptor binding assay, the research aims to enable quicker testing in various environments, allowing public health officials to respond promptly to potential exposures. This could significantly enhance monitoring efforts and reduce the risks associated with dhATX.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accessible testing for a dangerous toxin, ultimately protecting public health.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully developed rapid testing methods for environmental toxins, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Attogene
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Lance P — Attogene
- Study coordinator: Ford, Lance P
Related research
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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.