A label-free analytical method for imaging biomarker distribution in soft tissues

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded The Ohio State University $382,823 on July 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to develop a label-free analytical method for imaging biomarker distribution in soft tissues.

The project introduces silicon-based light-enabled active potentiometry (SILEAP), a mechanically flexible, ultrathin electronic interface constructed from an unpatterned SiO₂/Si bilayer designed to enable spatially resolved monitoring of chemical biomarker distributions and dynamics in living tissues. The platform addresses current limitations in optical imaging methods (which rely on exogenous labeling and suffer from photobleaching and phototoxicity) and electrical approaches (constrained by rigid geometries and limited adaptability). SILEAP targets real-time biocompatibility and high-resolution sensing of biomarkers such as pH variations, which correlate with physiological and pathological states including ischemia, atherosclerotic plaque development, inflammation, and tumor growth.

Work is performed at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, with a period of performance through June 30, 2031. This is a Project Grant, an assistance type supporting investigator-initiated biomedical research.

Abstract

Advancing biomedical research and clinical translation requires practical approaches to spatially resolved monitoring of chemical biomarker distributions and dynamics in living tissues. Variations in PH, for example, are tightly coupled to physiological and pathological states, including ischemia, atherosclerotic plaque development, inflammation, and tumor growth. Current chemical imaging technologies face fundamental limitations. Optical methods, such as fluorescent dyes and genetically encoded sensors, enable spatiotemporal visualization but rely on exogenous labeling, suffer from photobleaching and phototoxicity, and lack long-term biocompatibility. Electrical approaches, such as microelectrodes and field-effect transistor arrays, are constrained by rigid geometries and limited adaptability, which restrict resolution and precision. There is a critical need for innovative biosensing strategies that combine high resolution, biocompatibility, and adaptability in real time. This project introduces a transformative platform-silicon-based light-enabled active potentiometry (sileap)-to address this unmet need. Sileap is a mechanically flexible, ultrathin electronic interface constructed from an unpatterned sio₂/SI bilayer (