Simple, low-cost blood test to detect nutrient and other protein markers
Synthetic biological systems for protein detection
A new, inexpensive blood test is being built to show protein signs of nutrient shortages and other conditions for people in low-resource areas and for newborns who need very small blood draws.
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 ID | NIH-11287864 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a paper-like, equipment-free diagnostic that uses synthetic biology: a split protein reporter and a cell-free expression system that changes color when a target protein is present. The test is designed to work with very small blood volumes, making it suitable for newborns and settings where drawing much blood is not possible. The team aims to detect protein biomarkers linked to micronutrient deficiencies but plans the method so it could be adapted to other diseases. The device is intended to be inexpensive and easy for field workers to use without a full laboratory.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people in low-resource or remote communities who need screening for micronutrient deficiencies and newborns in neonatal units where only very small blood samples can be taken.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not reflected by measurable protein biomarkers or who require tests based on imaging, genetics, or other sample types may not benefit from this technology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable quick, cheap, point-of-care detection of nutrient deficiencies and other protein-based conditions and reduce the need for large blood draws in newborns.
How similar studies have performed: Related cell-free, paper-based synthetic biology diagnostics have shown promise for detecting nucleic acids, but applying split-protein reporters for direct protein detection is newer and less established.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Georgia Institute of Technology — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Styczynski, Mark Philip-Walter — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Styczynski, Mark Philip-Walter
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 below.