Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
Official title: Nitrogen Vacancy Diamond Quantum Magnetometry for Quantitative and Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Iron Mapping in Endometriosis Diagnosis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11439445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,516 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB039935-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with suspected endometriosis undergoing evaluation that could benefit from improved diagnostic options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without endometriosis or those not undergoing diagnostic procedures may not benefit.
What this research studies
Endometriosis is a common condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pain and infertility. This project plans to use nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to sense magnetic signals from iron buildup in endometrial tissue through a fiber-based endoscope. By mapping tissue iron, the team hopes to distinguish diseased tissue from normal tissue during minimally invasive procedures. The work involves characterizing magnetic and biochemical iron signatures in affected and unaffected tissues to develop a potential new diagnostic tool. If successful, this approach could shorten diagnostic delays and reduce the need for invasive laparoscopy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive quicker, less invasive diagnosis of endometriosis.
How similar studies have gone: This approach builds on known links between iron, oxidative stress, and endometriosis, with a novel quantum sensing angle.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Laura — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Kim, Laura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
-
Hormonal links to inflammation in endometriosis
A study to understand how hormones influence immune signals in endometriosis to help explain symptoms and identify potential targets for treatment.
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.