RNA-based biosensing and DNA nanotechnology to detect and analyze nucleic acids
Official title: Manipulating nucleic acids: applications in RNA biosensing, single-molecule analysis, and DNA nanotechnology
Funded at State University of New York at Albany · NIH-11404395 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project to create new RNA- and DNA-based tools that detect and measure nucleic acids, with potential uses in disease diagnostics and biotechnology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Albany NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124720-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404395 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose conditions would benefit from improved RNA diagnostics or RNA-based therapeutics and those who could participate in early-stage translational research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies or those not eligible for future translational studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop and apply cutting-edge RNA and DNA technologies at the RNA Institute to enable easier, cheaper, and more precise detection of nucleic acids. It focuses on three areas: programmable DNA nanoswitches that report when they bind targets, a high-throughput single-molecule analysis platform called the Centrifuge Force Microscope, and DNA nanotechnology for drug delivery and sensing. The work emphasizes collaboration and practical technology development that could translate into better diagnostic tools and therapies. Over five years, the team plans to broaden RNA detection capabilities, quantify and purify specific RNAs, and explore new applications of DNA-based reagents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, cheaper, and more sensitive RNA diagnostics and smarter delivery systems for RNA-based therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with DNA nanoswitches and single-molecule tools has shown promise in detecting nucleic acids and understanding molecular interactions, supporting potential future applications.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halvorsen, Ken a — State University of New York at Albany
- Study coordinator: Halvorsen, Ken a
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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.