New methods to create high-performance aptamers for real-time sensing in the body
Official title: New Methods to Generate High-Performance Aptamers for in Vivo Monitoring of Small Molecules
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11365700 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH-funded project will develop improved DNA-based aptamers that can sense small molecules inside the body and report their presence in real time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $601,487 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB038048-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365700 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose conditions involve monitoring small molecules in blood or brain where real-time sensing could influence care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not connected to real-time molecular monitoring or those without conditions requiring such sensors may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to design and refine aptamers that reliably bind targets in physiological conditions, enabling sensors that work inside living organisms. It will introduce a nuclease-assisted SELEX method to generate high-affinity, specific aptamers without needing solid supports. The work combines chemistry, molecular biology, and biosensor concepts to create materials whose properties change when a target molecule is present. If successful, these aptamers could power real-time monitoring of biomarkers in the bloodstream or brain through responsive devices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from better real-time monitoring of disease-related molecules and improved biosensors for personalized health insights.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that aptamer-based sensing can function in vivo, but this project aims to overcome physiological challenges with a novel selection method.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Yi — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Brewing anti-toxin drugs using probiotic yeast
A studying team will develop probiotic yeast–based anti-toxin drugs to help treat gut bacterial infections and reduce antibiotic-related complications.
-
Small Ruminant Therapeutic Center to Speed Safe Drugs for Sheep and Goats
A pilot project at a university will help scientists and veterinarians speed up and improve how drugs are tested and approved for sheep and goats.
-
Metabolic effects of PFAS exposure in the Cape Fear Basin (GenX Exposure Study)
This NIH grant studies how PFAS chemicals in drinking water may affect metabolism and weight-related health in adults and children living along the Cape Fear River.
-
Understanding how Fe/2OG enzymes make pharmacophores like cyclopropane, aziridine, and isonitrile groups
A research project at a university aims to uncover how nonheme-iron enzymes create key drug-building rings and groups to help develop better biocatalysts and medicines.
-
Hemostatic B-knob Microgels for Pediatric Bleeding
A kid-friendly hemostatic therapy using age-tuned microgels to stop dangerous bleeding after injury in children.
-
How cyanotoxins may harm nerve cells in ALS
This grant studies how shared toxins from cyanobacteria might worsen nerve damage in people with ALS.
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.