Next-generation tiny, wireless photoacoustic imaging with LED light for cancer care
Official title: Next generation ultra-compact, wireless photoacoustic imaging withnanosecond pulsed, battery driven light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11438761 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, battery-powered system uses fast LED light to create real-time images of blood vessels and lymphatics to help cancer patients and others with related conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $215,723 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB040099-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438761 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include patients with cancers or conditions involving vascular or lymphatic dysfunction, such as metastasis or lymphedema, where bedside imaging could inform care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to imaging facilities or those whose conditions do not involve vascular or lymphatic changes may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to develop a compact, portable photoacoustic imaging platform that merges optical contrast with ultrasound resolution to visualize blood vessels and lymphatic networks in real time. By using nanosecond pulsed LEDs and wireless, battery-driven design, it seeks to overcome the limitations of bulky laser systems and bring functional imaging closer to point-of-care settings. The work involves designing, testing, and validating the technology in preclinical models and potentially human-relevant samples to show how combined vascular and lymphatic imaging can inform treatment decisions. The project emphasizes integration, safety, and usability to ensure the device could be used in clinics or rural settings where advanced imaging is not readily available.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from real-time, portable imaging that improves cancer staging, treatment planning, and monitoring of conditions affecting blood vessels and lymphatics.
How similar studies have gone: Previous photoacoustic approaches improved imaging depth and contrast, but a fully portable LED-driven system remains a development area with promising early signals.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pramanik, Manojit — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Pramanik, Manojit
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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.