The University of Cincinnati has been awarded the largest share of a five-year $5 million grant that may someday lead to better chemical sensors to fight bioterrorism, new types of fuel cells and improved treatments for several diseases.

        The grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program will pay scientists at UC and the University of Pittsburgh to delve into an emerging field of biotechnology — the study of transport proteins in synthetic membranes.

        “Cells are capable of recognizing specific substances in their environment, making energy and using energy. All of that requires using membrane transport proteins,” said Dr. John Cuppoletti.

        He is the UC professor of molecular and cell physiology who will serve as lead researcher under the new grant.

        “We'll be taking those proteins out of the cells and putting them into synthetic membranes to create new devices with all sorts of potential applications,” he said.

        Applications could include new sensors for the military and others to sniff out signs of a bioterror attack. Or to make new types of fuel cells. Or to develop new forms of synthetic tissue that could replace lost or damaged organ functions.

        In medicine, faulty ion channels, a cellular process regulated by transfer proteins, are believed to play key roles in heart disease by causing irregular heartbeats and in cystic fibrosis by playing havoc with salt processing.

        Dr. Cuppoletti, who has published studies of the role of ion channels in cystic fibrosis, said he was selected to lead this project because he has shown a way to make ion channels function in a synthetic membrane. However, the defense department study will involve other experts in engineering, chemistry and materials science.

        The funds will support training at least 12 postdoctoral fellows or graduate students annually, Dr. Cuppoletti said, including two at the University of Pittsburgh.
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