Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas at Dallas received a $499,156 Project Grant awarded June 1, 2026, by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286). The grant supports development of a novel acoustic blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) imaging technology utilizing oxygen-responsive ultrasound contrast agents for noninvasive, bedside monitoring of brain tissue oxygenation. The project centers on designing specialized microbubbles comprised of functional hemoglobin protein surrounding air-filled cores to serve as biosensors, enabling real-time assessment of localized brain oxygenation consumption and function.

This first-in-kind ultrasound-based neuromonitoring tool is designed to address critical clinical gaps in managing neonatal hypoxic brain injury, where current treatments such as whole-body cooling have failed to significantly reduce mortality and disability rates. The technology will provide serial, noninvasive monitoring capabilities at the locoregional brain level, facilitating timely clinical interventions and improved outcome prediction. The project extends through March 31, 2030, and represents NIBIB's strategic focus on device-driven research and the development, validation, and application of innovative biomedical imaging technologies.