Plasmonic nanoantenna boosts ultra-sensitive fluorescence for cancer biomarkers
Official title: Plasmonic Nanoantenna Enhanced Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Immunoassay Enabled by Super-hydrophobic Surface
Funded at University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11401766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new technique uses plasmonic nanoantennas combined with super-hydrophobic surfaces to dramatically increase the detection of cancer-related proteins in very tiny samples.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $146,920 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM159578-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for cancer or with suspected cancer where biomarker detection could influence diagnosis or monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to required laboratory infrastructure or without cancer-related biomarker testing may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to transform how we detect cancer biomarkers by creating a highly sensitive fluorescence test. It combines tiny metallic nanoantennas with water-repelling surfaces to overcome slow molecule diffusion and boost signal. The work is designed to work with biological samples such as body fluids to enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis. It is led by Hui Zhao at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and focuses on translating advanced physics into a practical cancer detection tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the method could enable earlier and more reliable cancer detection through ultra-sensitive protein measurements.
How similar studies have gone: There is prior work showing that plasmonic enhancements can increase fluorescent signals, but applying this with diffusion-limiting transport on super-hydrophobic surfaces is novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Hui — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Hui
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.