Ultra-sensitive micro-resonator to boost EPR signals for scarce protein samples
Official title: Prototyping and demonstration of an ultra-sensitive novel micro-resonator for X-band EPR spectroscopy of diluted and volume-limited samples
Funded at Wichita State University · NIH-11432504 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to make a tiny device that greatly increases the sensitivity of X-band EPR spectroscopy so scientists can study proteins and other biomolecules that are available only in small amounts.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wichita State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Wichita, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $534,074 |
| NIH project number | 1R01GM166177-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432504 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to direct patient participation; research focuses on methods using biological samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to scarce protein samples or whose diseases are not linked to the studied targets may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project develops a new micro-resonator to dramatically improve the sensitivity of X-band EPR spectroscopy, enabling researchers to analyze scarce proteins such as metalloproteins, membrane proteins, and G-proteins. By boosting signal strength, it could reveal structure-function details and reaction mechanisms for drug targets that are hard to study with current methods. The work combines advanced engineering with magnetic resonance techniques to create a practical improvement for studying biological samples that are limited in quantity. If successful, the approach could expand EPR’s use in biomedical research where sample sizes are a major bottleneck. The ultimate goal is to make EPR accessible for low-yield biomacromolecules and thereby support drug discovery efforts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Patients could benefit indirectly through faster and more detailed understanding of disease-related proteins, guiding the development of targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous EPR approaches show promise, but this project targets a sizable sensitivity leap that is still novel in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Wichita State University
Wichita, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambal, Kapildeb — Wichita State University
- Study coordinator: Ambal, Kapildeb
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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.