University of Richmond Chemistry Professors Receive Grants
June 8, 2006
Two members of University of Richmond’s chemistry department have received grants to study the measurement of potassium in the blood and protein biosensors.
Mike Leopold, assistant professor of chemistry, received $48,000 from the Commonwealth Health Research Board in Virginia for a project titled “Crown Ether Modified Nanoparticles Films as Metal Ion Sensing Materials.” Nanotechnology has illuminated certain materials that may revolutionize the design and fabrication of miniaturized and functional sensors. Leopold and his students will explore networked films of nanoparticles affixed with potassium-specific molecules that act as a novel sensing system for determining potassium levels in blood.
Research Corporation has awarded Jonathan Dattelbaum, assistant professor of chemistry, $33,420 through the Cottrell College Science program for his project on “Design of Novel Fluorescent Protein Biosensors.” The project proposes the development of a new strategy to produce biosensors for use in industrial and medical research. Dattelbaum and his students will work to create a glucose biosensor which may provide a new method for continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic patients. At least two undergraduate students will participate in the research in each of the two years of the grant.
The Cottrell College Science Award champions research that promises to affect the advancement of science and is available to faculty at predominantly undergraduate institutions.