Real-time molecular monitoring in the body with advanced sensors
Official title: Long-duration, real-time molecular measurements in the living body
Funded at University of California Santa Barbara · NIH-11448724 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to measure drug and biomarker levels continuously inside the body using innovative sensors to support personalized, precise treatment.
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 | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $582,137 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB038221-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448724 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with conditions where monitoring of blood biomarkers and drug levels is valuable for management, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, or neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
People whose care does not involve continuous biomarker or drug monitoring may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops electrochemical aptamer-based sensors that can track multiple molecules in real time inside veins, the brain, and peripheral tissues. It addresses challenges like sensor degradation and blood fouling to extend reliable monitoring beyond 24 hours. By enhancing how we monitor biology in real time, it could inform better dosing decisions and disease management for patients. The work combines advanced materials, chemistry, and biomedical engineering to translate these sensors toward clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive more accurate and personalized drug dosing guided by continuous real-time measurements.
How similar studies have gone: Real-time biosensors have progressed toward clinical use in some areas, but extending in vivo duration beyond 24 hours remains a key challenge.
Where this research is happening
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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
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.