# Enabling study of electrically transduced information from biomolecules with a low-cost, versatile measurement (Versametrics) system

> **NIH NIH R41** · VERSAMETRICS LLC · 2021 · $249,623

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Most approaches to studying or detecting biomolecules rely on spectroscopic techniques. While much progress
has been made using spectroscopy, there is a wealth of information and capabilities available via electrical
measurements. For instance, it has been clear for decades that the ideal biomedical diagnostic device would
utilize electrical transduction to allow for a less bulky measurement system compared to optical transduction,
along with other benefits such as high sensitivity, ease of multiplexing, and low cost. Yet, the actual development
of electrically transduced biosensing technologies remains slow and has been largely ineffective. One major
contributing factor to this sluggish development is the high barrier to entry for many experienced biomedical
researchers to work on electronic technologies. To properly study electrically stimulated aspects of biomolecules
or excitable cells – whether for improving understanding of biomolecular/cellular function or selective detection
for diagnostics – requires tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in research infrastructure and advanced
training, typically in electrical engineering, leaving many of the most experienced biomedical researchers unable
to contribute. In addition, the characterization process is slow and cumbersome, with limited adaptability to
different testing conditions – altogether, slowing the overall progress in the field. What is needed is a more
accessible, affordable, and versatile electronic characterization system to spur the research of electrically
transduced information related to biomolecules.
In this Phase I STTR, we propose to establish technical feasibility for a versatile electronic measurement platform
(the Versametrics Dart) capable of enabling and accelerating research of electrically transduced biomolecular
information. The objective is to develop the Dart system for characterizing electronic biochips fabricated on
virtually any substrate (e.g., glass, paper, silicon) and in a variety of controlled environments (e.g., liquid, gas)
without the need for electrode wire-bonding and supported by an intuitive software control platform. Our
preliminary results demonstrate the utility of the Dart system for electrically monitoring the response of a
biosensor while under active interrogation with a customized atomic force microscopy tip, which could be
functionalized for biomolecular studies in countless ways. Based on feedback gathered from the research
community regarding a prototype Dart system (see Letters of Support), we will pursue three specific aims to
address needed system capabilities. Specific aim 1 will be to develop two modules for the Dart: a wire bonding-
free module for rapid device installation/removal compatible with virtually any biodevice substrate and, secondly,
a liquid environment measurement module. Specific aim 2 will be to expand the electrical measurement capacity
of Dart to three routable voltage sources with 0.1 pA resolution to en...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10324989
- **Project number:** 1R41GM143959-01
- **Recipient organization:** VERSAMETRICS LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Aaron Franklin
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $249,623
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-15 → 2023-09-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10324989

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10324989, Enabling study of electrically transduced information from biomolecules with a low-cost, versatile measurement (Versametrics) system (1R41GM143959-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10324989. Licensed CC0.

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