| NSF Org: |
CHE Division Of Chemistry |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | April 19, 2017 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | April 19, 2017 |
| Award Number: | 1654111 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Kelsey Cook
CHE Division Of Chemistry MPS Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences |
| Start Date: | May 1, 2017 |
| End Date: | April 30, 2022 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $624,716.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $624,716.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
1600 HAMPTON ST COLUMBIA SC US 29208-3403 (803)777-7093 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
631 Sumter Street Columbia SC US 29208-0001 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | Chemical Measurement & Imaging |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.049 |
ABSTRACT
This National Science Foundation project is funded by the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program of the Chemistry Division. Professor Parastoo Hashemi and her team at the University of South Carolina are studying fundamental electrochemical properties of in situ, real-time, trace metal speciation sensors. These microelectrodes can be applied to a variety of environmental and biological systems to ultimately address issues of pollution and disease. This project has relevance to the Understanding the BRAIN initiative. The scientific broader impacts include development of an improved physiological definition of copper in health and disease. There are applications for water pollution, and food processing. A peer mentioning program is used to address the retention of women, underrepresented minorities, and disadvantaged students.
The focus of this work is to study the basic principles of covalently modified carbon fiber microelectrodes. These electrodes are the foundation for in situ, real-time, selective, and sensitive trace metal speciation sensors. After the underlying principles of the electrochemical signal are characterized, the relationship between the voltammetric signal and copper(II) speciation are defined. Copper(II) measurements are then performed using these sensors in environmental and physiological systems. Copper (II) may act as a neurotransmitter and is implicated in some neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, this project targets underrepresented and minority students through a peer-mentored learning community for general chemistry courses. This learning community focuses on undergraduate research, enabling traditionally disadvantaged students to attain vital experiences and skills for their future. This educational outreach component impacts vulnerable undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds by encouraging and nurturing their participation in STEM fields.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
Small trace metals, such as copper (Cu(II) are critical for environmental and biological systems to function. For example, in biology Cu(II) is released from neurons and acts on other neurons to facilitate neurotransmission. When this process goes wrong, disorders such as Alzheimer’s can occur. In the environment, Cu (II) is an essential component of aquatic systems but if levels get too high (because of human pollution), the metal can bioaccumulate and eventually harm humans. To better understand and protect human health and the environment from trace metal dysfunction, it is critical to measure the metals in real systems instantaneously. This project developed a fast, sensitive and stable Cu (II) sensor and applied it to biological and environmental systems. The project also optimized sensor materials that can be extended to other types of substances. A seminal experiment was to measure Cu(II) complexing by dissolved organic matter (DOM), which is present in natural systems, and to observe how other metals such as aluminium compete. The project also created 2 web-based analysis programs for analysis data from these probes. This work also created a student-led initiative to provide support and know-how to undergraduates wanting to embark on a graduate career. The undergraduates created an official University club, where they met regularly to discuss research and to gain support from each other and from university professors to enter graduate school. A seminal activity was a student-led invitation of an eminent research from the National Library of Congress to give a talk at the University of South Carolina. 10s of these students are now in top graduate programs around the country.
Last Modified: 12/05/2024
Modified by: Parastoo Hashemi
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