Precise real-time in-body measurements with smart sensors
Official title: Harnessing cooperativity to achieve high-precision in vivo measurements
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11332731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new sensor technology uses electrochemical aptamers to measure drugs, ions, and biomarkers in the body in real time, which could help doctors monitor patients more closely.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Barbara NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $583,543 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB035027-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients receiving drugs or with conditions requiring close monitoring of electrolytes or plasma drug levels could be eligible.
✕Less likely to help
People not on therapies needing tight real-time monitoring may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a generalizable in-body sensing platform that can track molecules and ions with high precision. It builds on Electrochemical Aptamer-Based (EAB) sensors and has already shown real-time measurements of drugs and biomarkers in live animals and in humans for up to 24 hours. The work focuses on improving sensor sensitivity by tuning aptamer affinities and creating new selection methods for challenging targets. If successful, clinicians could receive immediate data to guide treatment decisions for conditions requiring tight drug and electrolyte control. The research involves translating a promising technology toward safer, more effective patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from real-time monitoring of important molecules and drugs, enabling faster, more precise clinical decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has demonstrated real-time measurements in animals and humans; this project aims to extend and refine the approach for broader clinical use.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kippin, Tod Edward — University of California Santa Barbara
- Study coordinator: Kippin, Tod Edward
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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.