Dual-Mode Ultrasound and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Official title: Merging Sound and Light: Dual-Mode Ultrasound/NIR Fluorescence Imaging with Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Funded at Texas Christian University · NIH-11291362 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at people who may need clearer, deeper imaging, this project tests a new dual-mode contrast agent that helps ultrasound and infrared fluorescence work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Christian University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | August 17, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $495,541 |
| NIH project number | 1R15EB038729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11291362 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with conditions where ultrasound and fluorescence imaging could improve diagnostic accuracy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions where imaging does not rely on ultrasound or fluorescence, or where there is no need for contrast agents, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops metal-doped graphene quantum dots that work as a single contrast agent for both ultrasound and near-infrared fluorescence imaging. The approach seeks to improve deep-tissue visualization while keeping costs and portability favorable. Researchers will synthesize the dots, test their imaging performance in animal models, and validate how well they provide combined ultrasound and fluorescence signals. The goal is to create a safer, more affordable option that could enhance diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from clearer, deeper, and more affordable diagnostic imaging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that dual-mode imaging concepts can work in small animals, but the specific metal-doped graphene quantum dot platform is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Naumov, Anton — Texas Christian University
- Study coordinator: Naumov, Anton
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
-
Dose-Dependent Brain Wire Modulation with Light Ultrasound in Deep White Matter
A small early study tests whether gentle, noninvasive ultrasound can change how deep brain white matter tracts work in healthy adults.
-
Ultrasound-guided brain circuit targets for treatment-resistant depression
This grant tests whether focused ultrasound can safely and reversibly adjust brain circuits linked to negative mood in people with treatment-resistant depression.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Brain ultrasound and microcirculation to understand early brain development in HIV-exposed uninfected infants
We’re studying how brain ultrasound and blood flow patterns in newborns exposed to HIV and antiretroviral drugs (but not infected) relate to their early neurodevelopment.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
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.