About
As a nano-biophysics scientist with formal training in physics, Rama Podila actively leads the establishment and development of research programs in biomedical applications of nanomaterials at Clemson University. He has synergistically integrated the principles of condensed matter physics, materials science, physiological chemistry, and toxicology to develop efficient biosensors, imaging probes, unique photonic devices, and drug delivery vehicles. His work thus far has led to >70 peer-reviewed articles (Citations: 1370; H-index: 22, and i-10 index: 36) in high-impact journals including Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Journal of American Chemical Society, Nano Letters, Nature Scientific Reports, 3 patents, and several invited talks. His group closely works with faculty in bioengineering and biosciences departments to achieve new paradigms in nanomedicine and point-of-care biosensors. Presently, his group’s research is supported through two grants from NIH/NIEHS (R03 and R01) and one grant from the Haworth Foundation.
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How their research is transforming health care
Rama is transforming healthcare with the development of smartphone-based nano-biosensors, which facilitate rapid diagnosis without long waiting times. For instance, his recent demonstration of a palsmonic tuberculosis sensor can detect a single bacterium within an hour compared to the traditional waiting time of days. This significantly reduces the in-patient time and allows for immediate treatment. His lab is also developing new multiphoton probes based on ZnO nanoparticles for cancer imaging. These ZnO nanoprobes use three-photon long wavelength absorption and infrared emission to provide high-resolution imaging with higher penetration depths non-invasively. Lastly, his lab is also identifying fundamental mechanisms of nanotoxicity to alleviate adverse physiological response and make personalized nanomedicine a reality.
Health Research Expertise Keywords
Faculty Scholar, Biophysics, Nanoparticles, Cancer Screening, Drug Delivery, In-vitro Experimentation, Safety
