Morgan State University nabs nearly $500,000 NSF grant to study nanoparticles in cyanobacterium

In Maryland, Morgan State University’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences has announced its receipt of a $499,999 grant award from the National Science Foundation). The Excellence in Research (EiR) grant will be used to advance interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry and engineering with a focus on studying the role of nanoparticles in cyanobacterium for enhanced biofuel production.

Morgan is one of several Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) to have received an EiR grant. However, Morgan is the first HBCU to study the effect of nanoparticles on the protein and lipid content of a model cyanobacterium. Through this grant, researchers will gain a comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle-cyanobacterial interactions that will offer far-reaching benefits for biotechnological applications, leveraging research in the areas of environmental-safe remediation, biosensing, and bioenergy. Once concluded, the research might make a huge positive impact on the environment by leading to the creation of an environmentally safe alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels.