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Molecular Devices for Calorimetric Measurements

Award Number: R15GM163259
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/10/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2029

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Molecular Devices for Calorimetric Measurements - PROJECT SUMMARY Understanding how biomolecules interact is essential for progress in biomedical research. All chemical and biochemical reactions involve heat transformations; quantitative assessment of heat is a fundamental characteristic that reveals the reaction mechanism, nature and strength of ligand/receptor binding, effectiveness of potential therapeutic approaches, and other crucial parameters. Therefore, accurate measurement of heat changes (calorimetry) must be accessible for researchers across biochemistry and molecular biology fields. Indeed, several commercialized calorimetry platforms centered around biochemical reactions currently exist. However, available calorimetric methodologies have serious deficiencies. Besides high cost, the most consequential limitation is a need of a relatively large amount of biomolecules (typically micromoles) to perform a measurement. As a result, characterization of interactions that involve newly isolated molecules, native proteins, and/or rare modifications is often challenging, incomplete, and inconclusive, if possible at all. To address the deficiency, we propose a new platform for quantitative calorimetric measurements that requires significantly smaller biomolecule quantities (picomoles). The approach relies on fluorescent readout that is widely accessible across biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories. The proposed platform involves a molecular sensor that acts as a heat dosimeter. The sensor operates homogeneously and integrates small heat changes. We develop the sensor off inexpensive, non-toxic, and biocompatible nucleic acid scaffolds. To realize the approach, we will accomplish two Specific Aims: (SA1) to design, identify, and characterize suitable for dosimetry-based calorimetry nucleic acid scaffolds; and (SA2): to develop a practically meaningful approach for quantitative dosimetry-calorimetry, validate its performance, and establish limitations. Our development will impact multiple researchers in the biochemistry and molecular biology fields: the new tool will rely on ubiquitous fluorescent readouts and will not require unreasonably large/inaccessible amount of biomolecules. Our ultimate goal is that researchers interested in accurate assessment of biomolecular interactions can utilize the approach in their labs. Importantly, the proposed project will provide a valuable fundamental training experience for a generation of undergraduate researchers at Northern Illinois University. Involved students not only will learn laboratory techniques but will also develop a solid understanding of biomolecule behaviors. In the future, the platform will extend towards spatially resolved imaging to enable localized assessment of interactions in vivo and will be compatible with high-throughput formats (e.g. plate readers) to benefit large-scale drug discovery undertakings.


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 = $476,199 )
2026	2026	NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY	1425 W LINCOLN HWY	DEKALB	IL	60115	DEKALB	USA	Biomedical Research and Research Training	000	1	9/9/2026	NEW	$476,199
														Subtotal = $476,199

Grand Total All Awards = $476,199

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Molecular Devices for Calorimetric Measurements

Award Number: R15GM163259

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENERAL MEDICAL SCIENCES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 09/10/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 08/31/2029

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