Developing a new method to measure nucleic acids without using enzymes or labels
Official title: Enzyme-free, Label-free Quantitative Microarray Technology: Fundamentals to Validation
Funded at University of Nebraska Lincoln · NIH-11025520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new technology that helps doctors measure tiny pieces of genetic material called miRNA, which can be really important for diagnosing and keeping track of diseases, so patients can get more accurate tests that might catch illnesses earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $432,834 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM157477-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11025520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring sensitive and accurate nucleic acid quantification for disease diagnosis or monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require nucleic acid testing or those with conditions that do not involve small nucleic acids may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel microarray technology that can accurately quantify small nucleic acids, such as miRNA, which are crucial for diagnosing and monitoring diseases. By using a unique electrochemical approach, the study aims to design a simple probe that generates a measurable signal only when it binds to its target nucleic acid. This method seeks to improve the sensitivity and reliability of nucleic acid quantification, which is essential for applications like liquid biopsies. Patients may benefit from more accurate diagnostic tools that can detect diseases at earlier stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more precise diagnostic tools for detecting diseases through liquid biopsies.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach is innovative, similar electrochemical methods have shown promise in other studies, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saraf, Ravi F — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Saraf, Ravi F
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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.