Reagentless sensors for continuous heart-failure biomarker monitoring
Official title: Reagentless Sensor Technologies For Continuous Monitoring of Heart Failure Biomarkers
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-11535377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable, self-generating sensor system aims to continuously track heart failure biomarkers in at-risk adults without any reagents.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $726,910 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL165002-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with heart failure or at risk of heart failure who could benefit from continuous remote biomarker monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
People without heart failure or without access to compatible wearable/implantable monitoring systems may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on turning a reagent-free, implantable sensor technology into a wearable system that can monitor heart failure biomarkers in real time. It seeks to detect biomarkers like NT-proBNP and inflammatory markers through an enzyme-free electrochemical sensor that doesn’t require sample preparation. The goal is to provide continuous data to help manage heart failure and potentially catch worsening conditions earlier. The work builds on prior demonstrations of reagentless, in vivo monitoring and adapts it for ongoing remote patient use. If successful, patients could benefit from steadier monitoring without frequent device maintenance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive continuous, real-time monitoring of heart failure status without the need for laboratory steps or reagent-based tests.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed continuous in vivo monitoring with a reagentless sensor, indicating a promising path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kelley, Shana O — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Kelley, Shana O
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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.