# Implantable Nanophotonic Sensors for in Vivo Immunoresponse

> **NIH NIH DP2** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2020 · $2,422,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Visualizing real-time physiologic and molecular tumor response to targeted molecular agents and radiation,
within the complex in situ host environment - in effect a wireless biopsy - provides a heretofore unseen window
into cancer biology, guiding optimal, personalized patient care. We aim to develop a versatile platform imaging
the dynamic immune response within the patient’s tumor microenvironment. Here we introduce a first-in-class,
fully implantable, wireless, microfabricated electronic-photonic platform for real-time in vivo tumor monitoring.
This platform can be utilized with any tumor type as well as non-oncologic applications where biomarkers are
essential. The platform will provide the full functionality of a fluorescence microscope, in a millimeter-scale
implantable sensor. in vivo microscopy enables intratumoral fluorescent imaging, leveraging an
armamentarium of existing targeted biologics unveiling both tumor biology within the complex host environment
and early indicators of tumor response. We will detect and explore the role of the immune response at the site
of disease dramatically increasing sensitivity while providing spatial localization - key to unlocking a systemic
effect. Made possible by recent innovations in wireless power and data transfer, and unprecedented
integration of high-speed circuits with photonics, these advances will unlock an entirely new paradigm of real-
time response assessment enabling effective application of novel therapeutics and immunotherapy,
customized to patient’s tumor biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10002722
- **Project number:** 1DP2DE030713-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Mekhail Anwar
- **Activity code:** DP2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $2,422,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-10 → 2025-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10002722

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10002722, Implantable Nanophotonic Sensors for in Vivo Immunoresponse (1DP2DE030713-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-30 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10002722. Licensed CC0.

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