Understanding how proteins interact with nanoparticles in the body
Official title: Heterogeneity of protein corona (PC) composition using highly sensitive magnetic levitation (MagLev) system
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11080275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles and proteins work together in our bodies, using a special system to get a clearer picture of how they interact, which could help improve the use of these particles in medical treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Colorado Springs, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03EB034817-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who may benefit from nanomedicine therapies, particularly those with conditions that could be treated using nanoparticles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in or do not require treatments utilizing nanomaterials may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between proteins and nanoparticles when they enter the human body. By developing a highly sensitive magnetic levitation system, the study aims to better characterize the protein corona, which is the layer of proteins that forms around nanoparticles in biological fluids. This improved understanding could help address challenges in the clinical application of nanomaterials, as current methods do not accurately capture the variability in protein composition. The research will involve advanced analytical techniques to ensure precise measurements of these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer applications of nanomaterials in medical treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on protein interactions with nanoparticles, this approach using a highly sensitive magnetic levitation system is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Colorado Springs, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ashkarran, Aliakbar — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Ashkarran, Aliakbar
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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.