SnapLyse: a new way to break open stubborn microbes for faster DNA testing
Official title: Commercializing nanodroplet technology to improve diagnostic sensitivity for difficult-to-lyse microbial samples
Funded at Triangle Biotechnology, INC. · NIH-11315714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanodroplet technology called SnapLyse helps break open tough microbes with gentle ultrasound so DNA can be read for faster, more reliable diagnostic tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triangle Biotechnology, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 20, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1SB1AI197360-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11315714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with suspected infections where rapid, accurate DNA-based diagnostics are especially valuable, including samples with hard-to-lyse microbes.
✕Less likely to help
If the technology does not perform as intended, delays in diagnosis could occur or alternative methods may remain necessary.
What this research studies
This grant supports developing SnapLyse, a cavitation-enhanced nanodroplet reagent that works with low-power sonication to release microbial DNA quickly and reproducibly. The goal is to improve DNA extraction from samples with microbes that have thick or hard-to-lyse cell walls, enabling more accurate NAT and NGS-based diagnostics. Researchers will optimize the nanodroplets, binding them to microbial surfaces and using minimal energy to create effective lysis while reducing bias. The project aims to shorten turnaround times and reduce the need for culturing before testing. Results could lead to better detection and characterization of infectious agents in clinical and environmental samples.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from faster, more accurate infectious-disease testing and earlier, more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous methods for microbial lysis have limitations with tough-to-lyse organisms; this approach is a novel strategy using cavitation-enhancing nanodroplets.
Where this research is happening
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Triangle Biotechnology, INC.
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kasoji, Sandeep — Triangle Biotechnology, INC.
- Study coordinator: Kasoji, Sandeep
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.