Ultra-sensitive protein test for early cancer detection using nanoantennas and water-repellent surfaces
Official title: Plasmonic Nanoantenna Enhanced Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Immunoassay Enabled by Super-hydrophobic Surface
Funded at University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11192684 · Data updated 2026-11-12
It develops a new lab test that uses nano-scale antennas and water-repellent surfaces to find extremely small amounts of cancer proteins in blood, aiming to help people get an earlier diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $147,091 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM159578-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192684 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who are being evaluated for cancer, are at higher risk for cancer, or can provide blood or other body fluid samples for biomarker testing would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose conditions do not involve measurable protein biomarkers or who need immediate treatment rather than additional diagnostic testing may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will combine tiny metal "nanoantennas" that boost fluorescence signals with a super-hydrophobic surface that concentrates sample droplets to overcome the usual diffusion limits. The approach uses localized surface plasmon resonance to trigger much stronger fluorescence from labeled proteins, potentially increasing signal by orders of magnitude. In the lab they will apply this method to detect cancer-related protein markers in blood and other body fluids to show it can pick up ultralow levels. The long-term goal is a more sensitive immunoassay that could be adapted for clinical diagnostic labs to improve early detection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the technology could enable earlier and more reliable detection of cancer biomarkers from small blood samples.
How similar studies have gone: Plasmonic signal‑enhancement techniques have shown promising laboratory results, but combining them with super-hydrophobic concentration to overcome diffusion limits is a novel and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhao, Hui — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Zhao, Hui
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.