By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a $500,000 grant to Alabama State University's Cancer Research Center (CRC) to both design and develop an affordable point-of-care device for the diagnosis of non-invasive, early lung cancer.
The grant is part of the NSF's Excellence in Research program and its usage includes developing a functionalized carbon-dot biosensor to aid in the detection of lung cancer, explained ASU's Dr. Manoj K. Mishra, the project's principal investigator, as well as the director of the CRC.
"This grant offers a unique opportunity for Alabama State University's Cancer Research Center to lead groundbreaking research at the intersection of healthcare and advanced technology," Mishra said. "By focusing on designing and developing an affordable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for lung cancer, the project aligns with the pressing global health needs and supports innovation in early cancer detection."
Dr. Mishra shared that in addition to providing cutting-edge research and the creation of a new device, the grant also offers valuable research experience for ASU students.
"This grant presents a fantastic opportunity for ASU's students to provide them with hands-on experience at the forefront of innovative healthcare technology through a combination of knowledge from various fields, such as chemistry, engineering, and medicine," stated Mishra. "Our students can broaden their skill sets and work across disciplines, enhancing their academic and professional development."
The CRC director believes the grant, the resulting research and the device at the core of the project have a much larger potential.
"The broader impact of this project extends far beyond lung cancer detection," Mishra said. "It has the potential to revolutionize point-of-care diagnostics globally, making affordable, non-invasive testing accessible for a wide range of diseases, particularly in underserved and resource-limited regions."