Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) awarded the University of Missouri System a $597,977 Project Grant on March 11, 2026, under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286). The award supports the development of multimodal, porous, starfish-like soft wearable bioelectronic systems designed to enable continuous, motion-artifact-resilient cardiac monitoring. The research addresses critical limitations in existing cardiac monitoring devices by integrating multiple sensing modalities—including five-electrode electrocardiography (ECG), seismocardiography (SCG), and gyrocardiography (GCG)—into a single device with a novel pentaradial configuration featuring five free-standing arms equipped with sensing elements connected to a central electronic hub. The porous material design enhances long-term biocompatibility and user comfort compared to conventional nonporous monitoring devices.

The project extends through February 28, 2030, and aims to deliver a high-fidelity cardiac monitoring system capable of recording both electrical and mechanical cardiac signals during daily activities and motion, thereby supporting reliable, continuous ambulatory monitoring for early detection and prevention of life-threatening cardiac events. By minimizing mechanical coupling at the system level and improving device wearability, the developed technology is intended to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient adherence to continuous cardiac monitoring protocols, ultimately reducing healthcare costs associated with preventable cardiac events.