Wearable aptamer sensor for continuous protein tracking
Aptamer tagging with redox quenchers: a critical breakthrough in the sensitivity of continuous electrochemical protein monitoring
A new wearable sensor aims to continuously track proteins like insulin and heart-related markers for people with chronic conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238906 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would wear a small skin-inserted sensor similar to a continuous glucose monitor that uses aptamer molecules tagged with redox quenchers to detect proteins. The team plans to improve sensor sensitivity so larger proteins (>5 kDa) such as insulin, inflammatory markers, and cardiac markers can be read continuously. Work includes building the sensors, testing them in living systems, and adapting the device for skin insertion and long-term use. The goal is to move beyond short-lived signals and achieve reliable, long-duration protein monitoring.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with conditions tied to the target proteins — for example those with diabetes (insulin), heart disease (cardiac markers), or chronic inflammatory disorders — who are willing to try a wearable sensor.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to the target proteins or those unable or unwilling to use a skin-inserted wearable are unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let people with diabetes, heart disease, or inflammatory conditions monitor key protein biomarkers continuously and tailor treatments in real time.
How similar studies have performed: Aptamer-based electrochemical sensors have shown success for small molecules and >30-day longevity in recent work, but continuous in-vivo monitoring of larger proteins is novel and has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heikenfeld, Jason — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Heikenfeld, Jason
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 below.