Device to quickly detect infectious prion proteins
Official title: Microfluidic device for detection of infectious prion proteins
Funded at Priogen Corp · NIH-11180802 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new device that can quickly and accurately find harmful proteins linked to serious brain diseases, making it easier for doctors to diagnose these conditions right at the point of care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Priogen Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Paul, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $314,363 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AI186707-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11180802 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, including those with unexplained neurological symptoms or a history of exposure to infected tissues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative conditions or those not at risk for prion diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a microfluidic device that can rapidly identify misfolded prion proteins, which are responsible for fatal neurodegenerative diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The device utilizes advanced technology involving microfluidic channels and acoustic waves to enhance detection speed and accuracy. By employing fluorescent dyes, the device aims to provide a point-of-care solution that is more accessible than current laboratory methods. This innovation could significantly improve the diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), which are challenging to detect with existing techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more reliable diagnosis of prion-related diseases, potentially saving lives and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using microfluidic technology for rapid diagnostics, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
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Priogen Corp
Saint Paul, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Sang-Hyun — Priogen Corp
- Study coordinator: Oh, Sang-Hyun
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.