New technology for identifying health-promoting compounds in algae
Official title: Rapid and high-contrast photothermal microscopy with a novel tunable ZGP source
Funded at Trestle Optics LLC · NIH-10600781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to look at tiny living cells to see how they make helpful natural compounds, like healthy fats found in microalgae, which could lead to better health products for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trestle Optics LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $305,647 |
| NIH project number | 1R43GM149004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10600781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals interested in natural health products and those with conditions that could be improved by polyunsaturated fatty acids.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not interested in or do not require dietary supplements or nutraceuticals may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops a cutting-edge imaging technology that allows scientists to analyze live single cells for their production of beneficial natural compounds. By using a novel photothermal microscopy technique, the researchers can detect and quantify important metabolites, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, in microalgae. This method aims to improve the efficiency of sourcing these valuable bio-compounds, which can lead to better health products. Patients may benefit from enhanced availability of nutraceuticals derived from these natural sources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible health-promoting products derived from natural sources.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for bioassay development, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Trestle Optics LLC
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanninen, Adam M — Trestle Optics LLC
- Study coordinator: Hanninen, Adam M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This study is exploring a new way to look at how small molecules, which are key for creating new medicines, work in the body without damaging them, using special imaging techniques to help scientists find better drug options.
-
New microscopy techniques for better imaging of fatty tissues
This study is working on new ways to take clearer pictures of fatty tissues in the body, which could help doctors better understand and diagnose conditions related to fat, ultimately benefiting patients by improving how these diseases are detected and monitored.
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.