Hollow Microneedles to Read Biochemical Things in Interstitial Fluid
Official title: Hollow Microneedles for Interstitial Fluid Biosensing
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11454544 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small grant tests tiny hollow needles that can sample interstitial fluid from the skin to sense biochemical markers for wearables.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $81,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R03EB038582-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454544 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with conditions where skin-based biomarker monitoring could inform care or wellness, such as metabolism-related biomarkers.
✕Less likely to help
People whose skin is unsuitable for microneedle sensing or whose biomarkers do not rely on ISF measurements may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on making a wearable-friendly sensor that can access interstitial fluid through microneedles. It aims to demonstrate how hollow microneedles can reliably collect ISF and measure biomarkers like glucose and lactate in a skin-embedded setup, using animal models and artificial skin for validation. The work blends materials science with biosensing techniques to bring closer real-time biochemical readouts to wearable devices. If successful, it could pave the way for noninvasive, continuous health monitoring that reflects blood-like information without drawing blood.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, wearable devices could monitor important biomarkers more accurately through the skin.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown sampling ISF with microneedles in models, suggesting feasibility with continued optimization.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galagan, James E — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Galagan, James E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Arousal Changes How We See the World
This grant studies how moments of alertness or mood changes alter how the brain processes what we see.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
-
A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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.