University of Richmond chemistry professor receives NSF grant to research proteins immobilized at nanoparticle films

February 17, 2009

Mike Leopold, associate professor of chemistry at the University of Richmond, has received an $85,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue his research on proteins. A total of $255,000 is expected over three years.

The grant supports summer research for Leopold, three undergraduate students, a post-baccalaureate fellow, supplies, and travel to present results.

Leopold's team is researching the use of specialized nanoparticles, known as monolayer-protected clusters, as a functional component of protein monolayer electrochemistry techniques designed to probe the electron transfer properties of immobilized redox proteins. The study is significant to the development of electron transfer model systems and biosensor technology, as well as the understanding of fundamental biological processes such as mitochondrial respiration and photosynthesis.

Leopold has published several articles on interactions between proteins and synthetic nanomaterials. He holds a doctorate in chemistry from North Carolina State University.