Multi-probe ultrathin brain imaging tool for scientific and future human use
Official title: SBIR Phase II: Multi-probe minimally invasive endomicroscope
Funded at Modendo INC. · NIH-11255466 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny, multi-probe endomicroscope is being developed to image and lightly stimulate deep regions of the brain in model animals, with potential to become a human diagnostic and treatment instrument in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Modendo INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,367 |
| NIH project number | 9R44MH144943-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11255466 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with neurological conditions that future brain-stimulating diagnostics or treatments could address, pending translation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients would not directly benefit until the technology is proven safe and effective in humans.
What this research studies
This project continues work on a barely-there endoscope that can image the brain at high resolution and stimulate multiple sites without causing significant tissue damage. It will be tested in animal models to demonstrate safe navigation and precise control at deep brain targets such as the brain stem or olfactory bulb. The prototype will be digitally programmed to run several probes at once, enabling researchers to link activity across brain regions. If successful, this platform could pave the way for new diagnostic tools and therapies that require minimal invasiveness. The focus is on building a robust, compact instrument that could eventually translate into human use for targeted brain studies and treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lead to less invasive brain imaging and targeted therapies for neurological conditions in humans.
How similar studies have gone: Past endoscopic imaging approaches have shown promise in deep brain research; this is an advancement toward a minimally invasive, multi-probe system.
Where this research is happening
-
Modendo INC.
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caravaca Aguirre, Antonio Miguel — Modendo INC.
- Study coordinator: Caravaca Aguirre, Antonio Miguel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Developing a new type of endomicroscope for brain imaging
This study is working on a tiny, advanced camera that can take clear pictures and stimulate different parts of the brain without causing much harm, which could help researchers learn more about brain disorders and eventually improve treatments for people.
-
Developing a new type of endomicroscope for brain imaging
This study is testing a new, tiny camera that can take detailed pictures of hard-to-reach parts of the brain without causing much harm, helping researchers learn more about how healthy and unhealthy brains work, which could improve how we diagnose and treat mental health issues.
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.