Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) awarded The University of Akron $554,078 under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to conduct fundamental research on photoredox catalysis mechanisms at the single-molecule level. Running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029, this project will deliver scientific research advancing understanding of photocatalytic processes used in drug synthesis. The research team will develop and apply single-molecule imaging techniques to monitor individual photocatalyst molecules in real time, tracking photoluminescence intensity changes to decouple and analyze elementary photocatalytic turnovers. This approach addresses limitations of conventional ensemble-level studies by providing qualitative mechanistic insights and quantitative kinetic data on photocatalytic efficiency and heterogeneity.

The project will establish correlations between product yield and photocatalytic turnover kinetics for drug-relevant and bioactive compound synthesis, with specific focus on eosin Y and other photocatalysts. Deliverables will include detailed photoluminescence trajectory data, reaction mechanism characterization, kinetic parameters, and foundational knowledge applicable to improving photocatalytic efficiency in pharmaceutical synthesis. The research conducted at the University of Akron's Akron, Ohio facility will contribute to NIGMS's mission of supporting basic biomedical research that advances disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through enhanced understanding of biological and chemical processes.