Federal Grant Award Summary

Adamas Nanotechnologies, Inc. received a $306,872 Project Grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to develop a novel real-time measurement system for monitoring mitochondrial temperature using fluorescent nanodiamonds. The Phase I effort, which commenced July 1, 2026 and concludes June 30, 2028, focuses on demonstrating the feasibility of utilizing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds in combination with a lock-in camera to enable wide-field monitoring of isolated mitochondrial temperature. NV centers possess unique magneto-optical properties that alter fluorescence output in response to low-power microwaves at temperature-dependent frequencies, allowing them to function as nanoscale temperature sensors at the subcellular level.

This research addresses a critical gap in biomedical science by providing an alternative to current mitochondrial temperature monitoring methods, which are subject to artifacts and controversial interpretations. By establishing proof-of-concept in Phase I, the project will lay the groundwork for Phase II development of a cellular and subcellular imaging instrument. The anticipated outcome is an improved diagnostic capability to assess mitochondrial metabolic status, which serves as an important biomarker for understanding age-related mitochondrial degradation and its relationship to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetes.