Novel split-enzyme diagnostic platform for rapid, at-home biomarker detection
Official title: Development of a Novel Split Enzyme Diagnostic Platform for Use at the Point of Care
Funded at Clemson University · NIH-11387855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, ultra-sensitive diagnostic approach uses split enzyme signals to detect biomarkers quickly at the point of care, potentially enabling affordable, bedside testing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Clemson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Clemson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00EB034778-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with conditions where rapid biomarker detection could guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.
✕Less likely to help
People whose biomarkers are not targeted by the platform or whose biomarkers are not present at detectable levels may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a rapid, inexpensive diagnostic platform that can detect proteins and small molecules at the patient’s side. By leveraging protein signaling networks and self-amplifying motifs, the system seeks to amplify weak biomarker signals without specialized lab equipment. The approach builds on split enzyme reconstitution and autocatalytic feedback to enable sensitive, easy-to-use tests that could reduce the need for expensive lab testing. The research will be conducted in vitro, with future steps focused on translating the platform for clinical samples and point-of-care use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more affordable diagnostic tests performed at the point of care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that split-enzyme systems can detect analytes, with ongoing research advancing sensitivity; this project proposes a novel integration in a clinical context.
Where this research is happening
-
Clemson University
Clemson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majors, Catherine E. — Clemson University
- Study coordinator: Majors, Catherine E.
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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.