Research Description
Dr. Cunci’s research laboratory is mainly focused on electrochemical biosensors and nanomaterials electrocatalysts for energy research.
Neurochemistry research:
Different neurological diseases such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) and Alzheimer’s, are related to how neurotransmitters are released in neurons. Neuropeptides, a specific type of neurotransmitters, produce responses correlated to stress factors, appetite, and pain. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), with stress-relieving properties, its presence or absence in the body, is related to learning and memory, obesity, and blood pressure. Measurement of NPY is important to study, but similarity between structures with other peptides makes them difficult to detect using conventional techniques. The development of a biosensor with higher selectivity and high temporal and spatial resolution is necessary for this molecule. For that, we are developing selective aptamer-modified electrodes to detect changes in the concentration of NPY. The use of the aptamers allows us to take advantage of the binding with NPY molecules that produces structural changes in response and can be monitored using electrochemical techniques.
Electrocatalysts for energy research:
One key research area for Dr. Cunci’s lab is the development of non-platinum group metal and non-metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which are essential for the mass production and use of alkaline membrane fuel cell and green hydrogen production. These reactions are currently limited by sluggish kinetics and catalyst degradation, and platinum group-based catalysts are the most active but also the most expensive and scarce. By gaining a deeper understanding of how electrochemical reactions affect the atom-atom distances in catalysts under in situ and operando conditions, our lab hopes to improve the activity and durability of non-platinum group catalysts and reduce the reliance on expensive and scarce materials.