Developing a method to grow crystals one at a time for better understanding of biomolecules
Official title: A Single Entity Method for Controlled Nucleation and Crystal Growth
Funded at Georgia State University · NIH-10904758 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to grow tiny crystals of important biological molecules so scientists can better understand how they work, which could lead to better drugs for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $305,736 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151275-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904758 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with diseases that are influenced by biomolecular interactions, such as cancer or genetic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to biomolecular structures or those not requiring advanced drug development may not see direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel technique to grow crystals of biomacromolecules individually, allowing for precise monitoring of their formation. By using a specialized nanotip to control the crystallization process, researchers aim to achieve high atomic resolution in understanding the structure and function of these biomolecules. This method could significantly enhance the accuracy of data collected through neutron scattering and X-ray crystallography, which are crucial for drug design and biomedical research. Patients may benefit from improved drug development processes that arise from a better understanding of disease-related biomolecules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug designs and treatments for various diseases by providing clearer insights into biomolecular structures.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of single-entity crystal growth is innovative, similar techniques in crystallization have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia State University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Gangli — Georgia State University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Gangli
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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.