Cutting-edge sensor platform to measure multiple hormone biomarkers quickly and non-invasively
Official title: Accelerating Biosensing Technologies at Winston-Salem State University and Partner Institutions
Funded at Winston-Salem State University · NIH-11380788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new multimodal sensor platform using advanced nanomaterials aims to detect hormones like cortisol, cortisone, and insulin at very low levels in a simple, non-invasive test.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Winston-Salem State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $408,217 |
| NIH project number | 5UG3EB036467-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with suspected hormone-related conditions or those requiring endocrine monitoring could be eligible in future translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without hormone imbalances may not directly benefit from this early-stage sensor development.
What this research studies
This grant funds development of a sensor system that combines MoS2 with gold surfaces and quantum dots to enable rapid, multiplexed detection of hormone biomarkers. It uses multiple detection methods, including Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering, quantum coherence, and tunable fluorometric/colorimetric signals, all integrated into one platform. The work is designed to improve sensitivity and accuracy for diagnosing hormone-related conditions and related diseases. Phase I will test the basic utility of detecting cortisol, cortisone, insulin, and related molecules with these new approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more accurate hormone testing with less invasive samples.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows that multimodal sensor approaches can improve biomarker detection, but this project applies a novel combination of MoS2, Au nanostructures, and quantum coherence for hormones.
Where this research is happening
-
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gharavi Naeini, Jafar — Winston-Salem State University
- Study coordinator: Gharavi Naeini, Jafar
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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.