Home testing technology for HIV viral loads using advanced nanosensors
Official title: Spatially multiplexed biogel nanosensors with boron-doped diamond microelectrode arrays for HIV self-testing
Funded at Fraunhofer Center /manufacturing Innov · NIH-11042783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy home testing device that lets people with HIV check their viral loads easily, just like how some folks manage their diabetes, so they can keep track of their health without needing a lab.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fraunhofer Center /manufacturing Innov NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brookline, United States) |
| Project start | February 23, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $424,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R61AI181017-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV who are interested in self-monitoring their viral loads.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not living with HIV or those who do not require regular monitoring of their viral loads may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a home testing device for HIV viral loads, allowing individuals to monitor their health similarly to diabetes management. The approach involves creating biogel nanosensors integrated with boron-doped diamond microelectrode arrays, which can accurately isolate and measure HIV levels from blood samples without the need for laboratory equipment. The goal is to provide a user-friendly, reliable, and portable testing solution that can deliver semi-quantitative results, making HIV management more accessible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients with the ability to monitor their HIV viral loads at home, leading to better health management and reduced transmission risk.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in home testing technologies for various conditions, this specific approach using biogel nanosensors for HIV testing is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Fraunhofer Center /manufacturing Innov
Brookline, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcbeth, Christine — Fraunhofer Center /manufacturing Innov
- Study coordinator: Mcbeth, Christine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Home HIV viral load test using a nanosensor chip
Creating an easy at-home HIV viral load test using nanosensor chips so people living with HIV can monitor their virus levels.
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.