Individuals dependent upon regular monitoring of specific health conditions may soon have a more convenient way to screen their levels thanks to a Clarkson University researcher.
Paolo Bollella, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow research associate in the Clarkson University Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, was recently awarded the prestigious Minerva Prize for the Scientific Research – Merit Mention for the Achievements obtained during his doctoral thesis based on the study of “Mediated/Direct Electron Transfer of Redox Protein for Biosensors and Biofuel Cells Applications.”
According to Dr. Bollella, most research in analytical chemistry over past decades has been focused on the possibility of developing new portable devices called biosensors, which can be used to detect life parameters such as glucose levels for diabetic patients, pregnancy tests and liver ailments. Most of these devices are based on enzymatic reactions catalyzed by enzymes, which should be electrically connected with electrodes. In Dr. Bollella’s thesis he came across the issue of how to improve the electron transfer of redox enzymes to increase the sensitivity and reliability of such devices. For example, his research could allow diabetics to self-monitor their glucose levels without having to go to a physician’s office. Dr. Bollella said the biosensors realized and optimized in his thesis are prototypes of devices that could be available on the retail market within five-to-10 years.
Dr. Bollella said he became interested in this line of research while working on his master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry in collaboration with the Federation of Sports Medicine antidoping lab in Rome, Italy. The project he worked on was finding a fast and reliable method to detect liposomes used for doping fraud. He said it sounded like a challenging project and he liked the idea his research could potentially be used to solve future problems.
On the initiative of the Roma Sapienza Foundation, in agreement with Sapienza University of Rome, the “Minerva Prize” is an award for Ph.D. students and doctorate awardees whose study activity offers a significant contribution to scientific progress in its disciplinary area.
“Winning the Minerva Prize is payback for all of the sacrifices I’ve made. I am making these sacrifices to become a professor and to teach the future generations how hard the competition is once college studies are over,” Dr. Bollella said. “It is recognition that my work is not just teaching a chemistry course. At the conclusion of my teaching duties, I would be happy if my students fully understand what I’m talking about during lectures or in the lab, not necessarily getting the best grade.”
Dr. Bollella, a native of Italy, said he was particularly proud to have his parents collect the prize in Rome. It gave them the opportunity to see firsthand what he has been “fighting” for and express their pride in his work and accomplishments.
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