| NSF Org: |
ITE Innovation and Technology Ecosystems |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | January 9, 2024 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | January 9, 2024 |
| Award Number: | 2344460 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Christopher Sanford
csanford@nsf.gov (703)292-8132 ITE Innovation and Technology Ecosystems TIP Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships |
| Start Date: | January 15, 2024 |
| End Date: | December 31, 2024 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $650,000.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $650,000.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
506 S WRIGHT ST URBANA IL US 61801-3620 (217)333-2187 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
506 S WRIGHT ST URBANA IL US 61801-3620 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | Convergence Accelerator Resrch |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): | |
| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.084 |
ABSTRACT
Cancer, a pervasive global challenge affecting a substantial portion of the population, necessitates innovative solutions for improved treatment outcomes. This project encapsulates a multidisciplinary approach rooted in convergence research to address a critical issue in cancer surgery. The primary objective is the development of a bioinspired multispectral imaging sensor, drawing inspiration from the mantis shrimp's remarkable visual system. This innovative sensor, compacted onto a single chip, spans a broad spectrum, enabling simultaneous detection of cancer markers through near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and deep ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence. Our diverse team, comprised of engineers, material scientists, physicians, visual ecologists, and social scientists, unites academia and industry in a collaborative effort to pioneer this groundbreaking technology. The central focus is on real-time intraoperative identification of positive sentinel lymph nodes, a pivotal aspect of cancer surgery, which can significantly impact patient outcomes by reducing the need for additional surgeries and minimizing complications such as lymphedema.
Our research centers on three primary objectives. Firstly, we aim to develop an advanced multispectral imaging device that seamlessly integrates perovskite nanocrystals and optical metasurfaces with state-of-the-art imaging sensors. This bioinspired sensor will facilitate simultaneous imaging of both endogenous tumor-specific biomarkers in the UV spectrum and exogenous markers in the NIR spectrum; both of which are essential for the accurate identification and staging of lymph nodes during surgical procedures. Secondly, we will conduct comprehensive validation of our bioinspired imaging technology to guarantee its accuracy in detecting positive sentinel lymph nodes, both in vivo and ex vivo. This validation will involve the collection of human data in two distinct clinical settings. Lastly, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the practicality and transformative potential of this technology within the complex landscape of surgical environments. In addition to our scientific pursuits, our project emphasizes a strong commitment to public engagement. Through a collaboration with the Saint Louis Science Center, we intend to educate the broader public on the fascinating realms of bioinspired imaging sensors and nanotechnology, using interactive exhibits to showcase our groundbreaking fluorescence camera. Furthermore, we will extend our collaboration into the realm of medical education, actively integrating bioinspired imaging principles into the curriculum of a new engineering-focused medical school: a partnership between the University of Illinois and the Carle Foundation Hospital. By doing so, we aim to equip the next generation of medical professionals with cutting-edge medical imaging tools and techniques. In essence, our project, rooted in convergence research, holds the promise of revolutionizing cancer surgery, encompassing technological innovation, public outreach, and medical education to ultimately enhance the well-being of cancer patients worldwide.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Our project addressed a critical gap in cancer surgery by developing a bioinspired imaging system designed to improve the detection of cancerous sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Cancer impacts one-third of the global population, and surgery remains the primary curative treatment for localized cases. However, current imaging methods, while effective in identifying SLNs, fall short in determining their cancer status during surgery. This can lead to additional surgeries, increased risk of lymphedema, and reduced patient quality of life.
Major Goals of the Project:
- Develop a Bio-inspired Multispectral Imager Integrating Perovskite Nanocrystals (PNCs) and Optical Metasurfaces.
- Validate the Imaging Technology In vivo and Ex vivo for Accurate Detection of Positive Sentinel Lymph Nodes.
- Conduct Comprehensive Usability and Impact Assessment of the Imaging Technology in Surgical Settings.
Major Activities: To meet these goals, we created a single-chip multispectral camera inspired by the mantis shrimp’s extraordinary visual system, capable of capturing images across deep ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. The camera integrates perovskite nanocrystals, optical metasurfaces, and vertically-aligned photodetectors, allowing simultaneous imaging of external NIR fluorophores and internal UV fluorescence from tumor markers.
The sensor design includes pixelated spectral filters that transmit UV, color, and NIR light, with UV photons converted to visible light via perovskite nanocrystals. These photons are then detected by vertically stacked photodiodes, efficiently separating spectral data while maintaining high spatial resolution. This system was tested ex vivo with breast and lung cancer tissue, achieving 96% sensitivity and 92% specificity in identifying positive lymph nodes.
Specific Objectives: During Phase I, we engaged in NSF Convergence Accelerator activities, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and refining our research strategies. Workshops on team science, regulatory pathways, and commercialization informed our approach, emphasizing Human-Centered Design (HCD) and user feedback. Weekly and monthly meetings facilitated progress tracking and interdisciplinary integration.
We learned effective multidisciplinary collaboration strategies, focusing on clear communication, role definition, and coordinated decision-making. Intellectual property (IP) workshops highlighted the importance of protecting our innovations, guiding our decision to form a startup within the University of Illinois Research Park.
Significant Results: Our imaging system showed high accuracy in detecting cancerous lymph nodes during ex vivo testing. Based on over 100 stakeholder interviews, we transitioned our focus from open surgeries to minimally invasive procedures, aligning with modern surgical practices and patient preferences. Early engagement with FDA consultants streamlined the regulatory process, preparing the technology for efficient market entry.
Collaboration expanded to include surgeons specializing in breast, prostate, and lung cancers, representing 40% of cancer cases in men and women. Participation in precision surgery workshops provided broader feedback, ensuring rigorous testing and increasing the potential for clinical adoption.
Key Outcomes and Other Achievements: The project produced a functional prototype demonstrating high sensitivity in detecting cancerous lymph nodes. Iterative design, informed by surgeon feedback, led to refinements in the system’s form factor and user interface, ensuring seamless integration with existing surgical tools. These insights set the stage for intraoperative validation and broader clinical adoption in Phase 2.
Opportunities for Training and Professional Development: Four graduate students and three undergraduate students actively contributed to this research, participating in instrument design, clinical data collection, and stakeholder engagement. Graduate students mentored undergraduates, fostering a collaborative learning environment. All team members participated in weekly meetings, presenting findings and contributing to group discussions, gaining valuable experience in interdisciplinary research and professional development.
In summary, our project successfully developed a bioinspired imaging system that significantly improves the intraoperative detection of cancerous lymph nodes. The system’s high accuracy, combined with a focus on user-centered design and interdisciplinary collaboration, positions it for successful clinical adoption and commercialization, ultimately improving surgical outcomes and patient quality of life.
Last Modified: 02/12/2025
Modified by: Viktor Gruev
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