Improving the detection of hard-to-reach microbes using advanced technology
Official title: Improving diagnostic sensitivity for difficult-to-lyse microbial samples with nanodroplet technology
Funded at Triangle Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-10823339 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to quickly find and identify tough germs in patient samples, so that doctors can give faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatments for infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triangle Biotechnology, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 3, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $997,367 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI152796-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823339 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with infections caused by hard-to-detect microorganisms, particularly those that are resistant to standard diagnostic methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with infections that are easily detectable through conventional methods may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the ability to detect and identify difficult-to-lyse microorganisms in patient samples. By utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS) combined with a novel nanodroplet technology, the study aims to improve the extraction of DNA from these resilient microbes, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis. The approach seeks to eliminate the lengthy culturing process currently required, allowing for faster and more reliable results in clinical settings. Patients may benefit from quicker diagnoses and more effective treatment options for infectious diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more accurate diagnoses of infectious diseases, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in improving microbial detection methods, but this specific approach using nanodroplet technology is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Triangle Biotechnology, INC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasoji, Sandeep — Triangle Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kasoji, Sandeep
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
SnapLyse: a new way to break open stubborn microbes for faster DNA testing
A new nanodroplet technology called SnapLyse helps break open tough microbes with gentle ultrasound so DNA can be read for faster, more reliable diagnostic tests.
-
Developing a new method to extract chromatin from preserved tissue samples
This study is testing a new tool called ChromExtract™ that helps scientists get better samples from preserved tissue, which could lead to a deeper understanding of how certain diseases work and how our cells behave, ultimately benefiting patients like you.
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.