Tools to detect RNA and build tiny DNA devices for sensing and drug delivery
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-11135587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Creating easy, low-cost RNA tests and tiny DNA-based devices that could help people needing better diagnostics or targeted treatments.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM124720-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with infections or diseases that are tracked by RNA markers, or patients who may benefit from more targeted drug delivery, would be most aligned with these goals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions do not involve RNA biomarkers or who will not need nanoscale delivery approaches are unlikely to benefit directly in the short term.
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are building simple DNA "nanoswitches" that change shape when they find specific RNA, which could make RNA detection cheaper and simpler. They are also using a high-throughput single-molecule instrument to study how individual RNA and protein molecules interact so tests and devices can be improved faster. Finally, the team is designing DNA-based nano-sized carriers that could carry drugs or sense disease markers in the body. Work is done in the lab with real RNA targets and aims to move promising tools toward practical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce faster, lower-cost RNA tests and new nano-scale drug carriers that improve diagnosis and delivery of treatments.
How similar studies have gone: RNA-based diagnostics and mRNA vaccines have shown real-world success, while DNA nanoswitches and DNA nanotechnology for drug delivery remain promising but more novel and experimental.
Where this research is happening
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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
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.