University of New Hampshire and University of New England Patent Enables Real-Time Surface-Based Molecular Sensing for Medicine, Manufacturing and Beyond
Newswise — Durham, N.H.—Feb. 25, 2025—The University of New Hampshire and its partners at the University of New England celebrate a newly patented surface-based sensing technology that introduces a novel approach to real-time molecular detection with potential applications in biomanufacturing, environmental monitoring and pathogen detection and chemical monitoring.
Developed by Jeffrey Halpern, Ph.D., professor of chemical engineering and bioengineering at UNH, and Eva Rose Balog, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry at UNE, this invention could help determine if biomanufactured cells and tissues, which could be used in advanced therapeutics and other applications, are developing and differentiating correctly.
There is currently no efficient and automated way to measure the levels of signature proteins that serve as proxies for this information. In their patent, the researchers describe a two-dimensional (2D) surface modified with elastin-like polymers (ELPs). These specialized polymers can be engineered to transition between states in response to environmental stimuli—including ligand binding, temperature, pH, ionic strength and external forces such as light and magnetic fields—offering a dynamic and highly sensitive alternative to traditional detection methods.
"This patent represents a pivotal advancement in our biosensing research, offering a versatile and responsive platform for real-time molecular detection. We are excited about the potential applications of this technology in various fields, from biomanufacturing to environmental monitoring, and look forward to its impact on improving precision and efficiency in molecular sensing," said Halpern.
“Proteins are nature’s most versatile materials, and we’re leveraging their unique properties to enhance electrochemical sensing,” said Balog. “By integrating genetically encoded polymers into electrochemical sensors, we’re opening new doors for biosensing applications with tunable and responsive materials."
This breakthrough allows for continuous, surface-based molecular detection in real time, potentially reducing the need for time-consuming and costly off-line sample analysis. The process analytical technology has applications in on-site quality control measurements in a wide range of applications including biomanufacturing. The sensor aims to measure proteins in real time, aiding in the monitoring of advanced therapeutics in production or living organs during transportation for transplant.
A Novel Approach to Surface-Based Molecular Detection with Industry Potential
This patented technology () enables real-time, surface-based molecular detection, providing a pathway to faster and more direct analysis compared to some traditional methods. The electrochemical transduction allows for the direct output of the surface ELP response, which enhances the overall output of a passive electrochemical measurement. The key advantages of this approach include:
- Sensitivity to multiple environmental factors, including pH shifts, temperature variations, and changes in ionic conditions.
- Tunable to chemicals of interest such as proteins or other biomolecules.
- Integration with electrochemical sensing techniques, supporting automated and high-throughput monitoring applications.
- Industrial Sensing, providing a surface-functionalized approach for monitoring chemical changes with increased precision and efficiency.
Looking Ahead: The Potential of Smart Surface Technology
By providing a tunable, surface-based, genetically encoded polymer, this patented innovation establishes a new foundation to enhance electrochemical sensing. With its responsiveness to environmental conditions, the technology offers a promising approach for improving precision in chemical and biological monitoring. By manufacturing the genetically encoded polymer in E. coli, it also has the potential to decrease sensor fabrication costs.
Continuation of this research was supported by a for advanced manufacturing and biotechnology, with subsequent follow-on funding received from EPSCoR, highlighting the ongoing importance of investment in innovative sensing technologies. As this technology moves toward commercialization, the research team welcomes engagement from industry leaders and research collaborators to explore potential applications.
For information about licensing opportunities, please contact [email protected].
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About the University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation and world. Nearly 16,000 students from 50 states and 87 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. A Carnegie Classification R1 institution, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, and received over $250 million in competitive external funding in FY24 to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space. Visit .
About the University of New England
The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit .
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