2233691
Cooperative Agreement
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase II: A novel, microfluidic device to improve collection and analysis of biopsy samples from ocular paracentesis - The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to transform current eye care by providing a novel tool for ocular fluid biopsies.
The fluid in the eye is isolated from the rest of the body by a blood-ocular barrier, so obtaining blood work does not help for diagnosing most ocular problems. Testing of ocular fluid has been shown to decrease rates of blindness in cases of ocular infections. However, this procedure is under-utilized due to the flaws with the current method for collecting fluid.
Because of this, ocular infections can be misdiagnosed and undertreated, which can lead to increased rates of vision loss. Additionally, ocular fluid is an untapped reservoir for emerging biomarkers which has created an unmet need for better tools to collect this fluid. This project will result in a new product that can be used to collect ocular fluid for analyses that will guide treatment of some of the most common sight-threatening conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes.
This technology will open a new frontier in ocular diagnosis and improve vision outcomes for patients. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on fabricating a new medical device for ocular fluid biopsies. This project will create an instrument that is specifically designed to collect fluid from the front of the eye.
The research will include optimization of the needle to decrease the force of entry. This new tool will enhance the surgeon's control during the procedure and decrease risk of injury. This research will also investigate the fluid dynamics of collection with the integration of a microfluidic chamber and specialized collection system that is designed to handle small fluid volumes.
A significant limitation of the current procedure is that the fluid volumes collected are small and the current method leads to fluid loss and inaccurate results. Additional development will evaluate advanced engineering features to connect the device for drug delivery. The expected outcome of this research is an innovative surgical tool that will enable ophthalmologists to perform ocular fluid biopsies more reliably and achieve better results.
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.
The fluid in the eye is isolated from the rest of the body by a blood-ocular barrier, so obtaining blood work does not help for diagnosing most ocular problems. Testing of ocular fluid has been shown to decrease rates of blindness in cases of ocular infections. However, this procedure is under-utilized due to the flaws with the current method for collecting fluid.
Because of this, ocular infections can be misdiagnosed and undertreated, which can lead to increased rates of vision loss. Additionally, ocular fluid is an untapped reservoir for emerging biomarkers which has created an unmet need for better tools to collect this fluid. This project will result in a new product that can be used to collect ocular fluid for analyses that will guide treatment of some of the most common sight-threatening conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes.
This technology will open a new frontier in ocular diagnosis and improve vision outcomes for patients. This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on fabricating a new medical device for ocular fluid biopsies. This project will create an instrument that is specifically designed to collect fluid from the front of the eye.
The research will include optimization of the needle to decrease the force of entry. This new tool will enhance the surgeon's control during the procedure and decrease risk of injury. This research will also investigate the fluid dynamics of collection with the integration of a microfluidic chamber and specialized collection system that is designed to handle small fluid volumes.
A significant limitation of the current procedure is that the fluid volumes collected are small and the current method leads to fluid loss and inaccurate results. Additional development will evaluate advanced engineering features to connect the device for drug delivery. The expected outcome of this research is an innovative surgical tool that will enable ophthalmologists to perform ocular fluid biopsies more reliably and achieve better results.
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.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE II (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE II", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF22552
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Champaign,
Illinois
61820-7460
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
22-552
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 02/28/25 to 05/31/26 and the total obligations have decreased 30% from $2,000,000 to $1,399,997.
Visionaire Products was awarded
Cooperative Agreement 2233691
worth $1,399,997
from National Science Foundation in March 2023 with work to be completed primarily in Champaign Illinois United States.
The grant
has a duration of 3 years 2 months and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase II
Title
SBIR Phase II:A novel, microfluidic device to improve collection and analysis of biopsy samples from ocular paracentesis
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to transform current eye care by providing a novel tool for ocular fluid biopsies. The fluid in the eye is isolated from the rest of the body by a blood-ocular barrier, so obtaining blood work does not help for diagnosing most ocular problems. Testing of ocular fluid has been shown to decrease rates of blindness in cases of ocular infections. However, this procedure is under-utilized due to the flaws with the current method for collecting fluid. Because of this, ocular infections can be misdiagnosed and undertreated, which can lead to increased rates of vision loss. Additionally, ocular fluid is an untapped reservoir for emerging biomarkers which has created an unmet need for better tools to collect this fluid. This project will result in a new product that can be used to collect ocular fluid for analyses that will guide treatment of some of the most common sight-threatening conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetes. This technology will open a new frontier in ocular diagnosis and improve vision outcomes for patients. _x000D__x000D_ This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is focused on fabricating a new medical device for ocular fluid biopsies. This project will create an instrument that is specifically designed to collect of fluid from the front of the eye. The research will include optimization of the needle to decrease the force of entry. This new tool will enhance the surgeon’s control during the procedure and decrease risk of injury. This research will also investigate the fluid dynamics of collection with the integration of a microfluidic chamber and specialized collection system that is designed to handle small fluid volumes. A significant limitation of the current procedure is that the fluid volumes collected are small and the current method leads to fluid loss and inaccurate results. Additional development will evaluate advanced engineering features to connect the device for drug delivery. The expected outcome of this research is an innovative surgical tool that will enable ophthalmologists to perform ocular fluid biopsies more reliably and achieve better results._x000D_ _x000D_ 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.
Topic Code
MD
Solicitation Number
NSF 22-552
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 9/10/25
Period of Performance
3/15/23
Start Date
5/31/26
End Date
Funding Split
$1.4M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$1.4M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to 2233691
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2233691
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
CUKAFNSRJWJ7
Awardee CAGE
8H5P1
Performance District
IL-13
Senators
Richard Durbin
Tammy Duckworth
Tammy Duckworth
Budget Funding
| Federal Account | Budget Subfunction | Object Class | Total | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research and Related Activities, National Science Foundation (049-0100) | General science and basic research | Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) | $1,000,000 | 100% |
Modified: 9/10/25