SEC-MALS instrument for studying biomolecules and nanoparticles
Official title: Acquisition of SEC-MALS for Investigations in Molecular Assembly and Characterization of Polymeric Macromolecules, Nanoparticles, and Bioassemblies
Funded at University of Texas Tyler · NIH-11366110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new SEC-MALS instrument will help scientists measure the size, weight, and heterogeneity of biomolecules and nanoparticles to advance biomedical research and student training.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Tyler NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tyler, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 1S10GM164881-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable for this instrument grant; this is a core facility instrument that will support research across departments and training programs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients may not directly participate, as this is a shared instrumentation grant.
What this research studies
This grant funds the purchase of a SEC-MALS instrument (Wyatt DAWN 8 MALS with SEC) to characterize biomolecules, polymers, and nanoparticles. It will be housed at the University of Texas Tyler and used across Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, and the School of Medicine, with a focus on biomedical research and education. The device will enable in-house measurements of molar mass, hydrodynamic radius, aggregation state, and sample heterogeneity, reducing the need for external facilities. It will also enhance undergraduate training in biochemistry, organic, and polymer chemistry labs, supporting career pathways in medicine and health fields. The long-term goal is to expand research and education capacity regionally by providing broader access to advanced characterization tools.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit indirectly through faster biomedical discoveries and better-trained clinicians and researchers.
How similar studies have gone: Other institutions have shown that SEC-MALS enhances characterizations and speeds up discovery when integrated into research programs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Tyler
Tyler, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patterson, Dustin Patrick — University of Texas Tyler
- Study coordinator: Patterson, Dustin Patrick
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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.