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Merging Sound and Light: Dual-Mode Ultrasound/NIR Fluorescence Imaging with Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots

Award Number: R15EB038729
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/18/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/17/2029

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Merging Sound and Light: Dual-Mode Ultrasound/NIR Fluorescence Imaging with Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots - Project Summary/Abstract Dual-mode imaging is an emerging frontier in biomedical diagnostics offering complementary advantages of detecting and tracing targets inaccessible to single imaging techniques. In this proposal we develop novel dule-mode contrast agents aiming to combine the anatomical visualization of ultrasound imaging (USI) with the high sensitivity of fluorescence imaging. There is a significant clinical need for such combined diagnostic approach: imaging techniques like MRI and CT face cost and accessibility challenges, while ultrasound and fluorescence associate with lower diagnostic costs and greater portability. However, the limitations of current ultrasound contrast agents and conventional visible fluorophores, such as low stability and limited imaging depth, necessitate innovative solutions. This project will develop and validate a novel platform, biocompatible metal-doped graphene quantum dots (mGQDs) as a cost-effective dual-mode contrast agent integrating USI contrast enhancement with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for deep tissue imaging and molecular diagnostics. Photostable NIR fluorescence intrinsic to mGQDs enables deeper tissue imaging than conventional fluorophores while they also possess higher stability than current microbubble ultrasound contrast agents. Preliminary data validates the capability of mGQDs to perform both, ultrasound and fluorescence imaging in small animal models. The research will progress through three phases: (1) synthesis and structural optimization of mGQDs for enhanced ultrasound and fluorescence performance, (2) testing optimized mGQDs for dual-mode imaging in vascular and tissue phantoms (3) in vivo imaging in rats to assess biodistribution, evaluate future clinical diagnostic targets, and toxicity. By overcoming the limitations of current ultrasound contrast agents and fluorophores used in clinic, mGQDs have the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy in oncology, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. Their simple, scalable and cost- effective synthesis suggests the potential for broad applicability in personalized medicine and limited infrastructure settings. Ultimately, this initiative will bridge current gaps in imaging technology, enhancing healthcare accessibility and advancing global diagnostic capabilities.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $495,541 )
2026	2026	TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY	3101 BELLAIRE DRIVE NORTH	FORT WORTH	TX	76129	TARRANT	USA	Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health	000	1	8/18/2026	NEW	$495,541
														Subtotal = $495,541

Grand Total All Awards = $495,541

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Merging Sound and Light: Dual-Mode Ultrasound/NIR Fluorescence Imaging with Metal-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots

Award Number: R15EB038729

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE Of BIOMEDICAL IMAGING & BIOENGINEERING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/18/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/17/2029

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