Determining the best skin depth for continuous monitoring of body chemicals.
Official title: Answering an open and fundamentally important question: what skin-insertion depth is ideal for emerging continuous molecular monitors?
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11053511 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the best way to place sensors in the skin to keep an eye on important body chemicals, which could help people manage their health better by improving how we monitor conditions that need regular tracking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,322 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035494-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053511 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring continuous monitoring of specific biochemical markers, such as those with diabetes or other metabolic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require continuous biochemical monitoring or those with skin conditions that prevent sensor insertion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the optimal depth for inserting sensors in the skin to continuously monitor various body chemicals. By developing a multi-depth sensor array, the study aims to compare the effectiveness of monitoring in different skin layers, specifically the dermis and hypodermis. This approach is similar to existing glucose monitors but seeks to expand its application to other important analytes. Patients may benefit from improved monitoring techniques that could lead to better management of conditions requiring continuous biochemical tracking.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and reliable continuous monitoring of various health markers, improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: While continuous monitoring has been successful with glucose sensors, this specific approach to multi-depth monitoring is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heikenfeld, Jason — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Heikenfeld, Jason
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.