Rapid TB diagnosis using tiny antibody signals and nanoscale detection
Official title: Microscale Multiplexed Antibody Fc Profiling and Nanoscale Electronic Detection for Rapid and Scalable Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11401049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new test uses tiny antibody patterns and nanoscale electronics to quickly detect active tuberculosis at the point of care, especially where resources are limited.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $382,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182322-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with suspected TB, including those who have difficulty producing sputum or are co-infected with HIV or in resource-limited settings.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TB or with latent TB infection may not benefit from this diagnostic approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a fast, scalable diagnostic tool for tuberculosis that can be used at or near the patient. It leverages unique antibody features and advanced detection to distinguish active TB from latent infection, even when sputum samples are hard to obtain. The approach combines micro-scale antibody profiling with sensitive electronic readouts to provide a rapid result that could guide timely treatment in diverse settings. Researchers hope to deliver a test that is simpler, more affordable, and adaptable to clinics with limited laboratory infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive faster and more accurate TB diagnosis, leading to quicker treatment and reduced transmission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that antibody glycosylation patterns can mark active TB and related responses, supporting this as a promising but further-validated approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Aniruddh — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Aniruddh
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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.