Moscow Polytechnic University research team receives grant from the Russian Science Foundation for biosensitive nanomaterials development
A Moscow Polytechnic University research team led by Associate Professor Ivan Komarov received support from the Russian Science Foundation. The grant was awarded through the competition "Conducting Fundamental Scientific Research and Exploratory Scientific Research by Small Individual Research Groups." Funding will be used to implement the project "Development of Biosensitive Nanomaterials for Detecting Levels of Key Human Neurotransmitters."
It should be noted that the RSF support, and therefore the development of this research, was based on Ivan’s groundwork laid by implementing a project as part of the Moscow Polytech’s grant named after P.L. Kapitsa. The young scientist is implementing the project "An Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Nanomaterials for Monitoring Dopamine Levels in the Human Body" at the university. The scientist's goal is to create a prototype of a biological sensor within three years that will demonstrate a response to dopamine in a simulated environment.
Funds raised through the RSF grant will be used to conduct extensive research into the creation of biosensitive materials based on graphene derivatives, with the aim of creating a set of sensors designed to detect various diseases in future.
"We plan to develop materials that will be sensitive not only to dopamine, but also to serotonin and other neurotransmitters," explains Ivan Komarov. "The fact is that neurotransmitters are involved in the functioning of not only the brain and nervous system, but also other body systems, particularly the cardiovascular system. Thus, the ability to rapidly monitor these processes will enable deeper and more comprehensive understanding of various pathologies, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, and a number of heart conditions associated with abnormal neurotransmitter levels in the body."
In addition to Ivan Komarov, Associate Professor in Moscow Polytech’s Research Sector and the head of the research team, the project also involves Alexey Shchegolkov, Associate Professor in the Research Sector; Nina Myasishcheva, Head of the ChemBioTechnology Department at the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology; and Kamilla Rayanova, a fourth-year student at the same faculty who is conducting research as part of the "Project Activity" program.
According to the scientists, the provision of support from the Russian Science Foundation is extremely significant, demonstrating interest in the work being carried out by the Moscow Polytechnic University's biotechnology sector.
