Diagnostics on demand: a biosensor platform to detect multiple small molecules
Official title: Diagnostics on demand: a biosensor platform for multiplexed small molecule detection
Funded at University of California Riverside · NIH-11396483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new biosensor platform aims to quickly and cheaply create tests for many small molecules using a plant-based receptor.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Riverside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Riverside, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $406,798 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151616-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11396483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal for researchers and clinicians who need rapid, affordable tests for small molecules in clinical, environmental, or field settings.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not guaranteed; the work is primarily test development and methodological advancement.
What this research studies
This project develops a versatile sensing scaffold based on the plant abscisic acid receptor PYR1 to create linkage with HAB1 and form PAIR sensors for many small molecules. It builds on a pipeline that evolves sensors for dozens of targets, including drugs and natural products, to enable rapid test development. The work focuses on making small-molecule tests easier to develop, potentially lowering costs and speeding availability for diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and other settings. The research is rooted in engineering biology to translate molecular recognition into practical detection tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could streamline production of new diagnostic tests for a wide range of substances, potentially speeding access to reliable, affordable tests.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown promise with PAIR sensors for multiple molecules, suggesting potential for broad applicability, though real-world deployment remains ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Riverside
Riverside, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cutler, Sean — University of California Riverside
- Study coordinator: Cutler, Sean
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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.