Federal Grant Award Summary

Arizona State University received a $405,202 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), effective June 5, 2026 through May 31, 2028. The research project focuses on developing a generalizable method for converting antibodies into direct fluorescent sensors of their antigens. The work builds on preliminary findings demonstrating that fluorescent non-canonical amino acids (FNCAs) can be strategically positioned within antibody structures to generate observable changes in fluorescence upon antigen binding, without compromising antibody affinity. This approach aims to eliminate the need for laborious experimental protocols—such as multiple washing steps—currently required in antibody-based diagnostic assays, thereby enabling rapid diagnostic analyses outside traditional laboratory settings.

The project will advance the scientific understanding and technical applicability of FNCAA technology by validating the generalizability of the fluorescent antibody conversion approach across diverse antibodies and antigens. By demonstrating that this method can be applied to essentially any antibody to create direct fluorescent sensors, the research will establish a foundational technology platform applicable to multiple diagnostic and bioanalytical applications. The award supports research to be conducted at Arizona State University's Tempe, Arizona campus, under the supervision of appropriately qualified principal investigators in accordance with NIAID competitive peer review standards and the program's requirements for scientific merit and technical adequacy.