2017 Individual Seed Projects

In vivo Real-Time Biosensing using Aptamers on mm-Sized Implants

Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
Professor of Comparative Medicine
Professor of Radiology (Early Detection), of Electrical Engineering, of Bioengineering and, by courtesy, of Chemical Engineering

Project Goal

Develop injectable in-vivo implant for real-time and continuous biosensing of biomarkers to establish patient-specific baselines and to understand disease dynamics. As proof of concept, we focus on troponin I and II and cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta for myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis syndrome.

Our Technology

We will integrate highly specific and sensitive aptamer sensors with “batteryless” implants powered by and communicated with ultrasound. The implant will be “injectable” due to its small form factor.

Specific Aims

  1. Develop aptamer probes for troponin and cytokines
  2. Design the mm-sized CMOS implant and integrate the aptamer probes
  3. Perform in vitro and in vivo testing of the implant