Project Details

Catheter-connected biosensor for rapid monitoring of acute GVHD biomarkers in pediatric allo-HSCT

Minwoo Kim, PhD

Summary

BACKGROUND: Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although biomarker-based algorithms using ST2 and REG3α improve early risk stratification, current clinical assays require days to generate results, delaying timely intervention. GAP: Existing ELISA-based biomarker tests limits integration into bedside or wearable systems for transplant patients. No device currently enables rapid, reversible, and continuous GVHD biomarker sensing in pediatric care. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that an antibody-based molecular pendulum electrochemical biosensor, equipped with an active reset mechanism, will enable continuous and reversible detection of ST2 and REG3α, bridging advanced biomarker algorithms with real-time clinical decision-making in pediatric HSCT patients. METHODS: We will develop and analytically validate a molecular pendulum biosensor functionalized with antibodies for ST2 and REG3α, benchmarked against ELISA. The biosensor will be integrated into a catheter-compatible, wearable monitoring platform and assessed under physiologic flow. Final validation will use pediatric HSCT plasma samples to evaluate accuracy, repeatability, and stability. RESULTS: Pending. IMPACT: A rapid, wearable biosensor for GVHD biomarkers could enable earlier diagnosis, more precise risk stratification, and timely treatment in pediatric HSCT patients. This technology has the potential to reduce treatment-related morbidity and mortality and improve long-term health outcomes for children undergoing transplantation. Website Link: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=0N3J6CkAAAAJ&utm