Creating flexible sensors to measure blood flow in the penis
Official title: Development of stretchable optical sensors for measurement of penile hemodynamics
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11039101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new stretchy device that can check oxygen levels in the penis to help understand and treat erectile dysfunction, especially for people with conditions like sickle cell disease, starting with tests on animals before moving to humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2024 |
| Project end | September 6, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,613 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DK142129-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include men experiencing erectile dysfunction, particularly those with underlying conditions such as sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience erectile dysfunction or have other unrelated urological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a wearable device that can monitor oxygen levels in the penis, which is crucial for understanding and treating erectile dysfunction (ED). The device is designed to be flexible and stretchable, allowing it to conform to the skin and accommodate changes during an erection. The researchers will first test this technology in rodents before moving on to human trials. By measuring blood flow and oxygenation, the study aims to provide insights into the causes of ED, particularly in patients with conditions like sickle cell disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for men suffering from erectile dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using wearable sensors for monitoring physiological parameters is gaining traction, this specific application for penile hemodynamics is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafavor, Justin David — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Lafavor, Justin David
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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.