PITTSBURGH, Pa., January 19, 2012 The Pittsburgh Foundation announced that Sanford Asher, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at The University of Pittsburgh , was awarded the fourth annual Charles E. Kaufman Award of $50,000 for his developments in chemistry of new materials and spectroscopic techniques for the study of molecules.
 

The award is presented annually to an honoree that demonstrates "substantial contributions to science for both the betterment and understanding of human life." The late Mr. Charles Kaufman established the award in 2008 at The Pittsburgh Foundation "to promote a better and fairer world by supporting those that can make a difference with science." Mr. Kaufman passed away in 2010 at the age of 97.
 

Professor Asher pioneered the development of Ultra Violet (UV) Raman spectroscopy and the development of photonic crystal technology. Raman spectroscopy is a technique used to study vibrational modes in a system and Professor Asher played a major role in pioneering Raman instrumentation and extending its reach over a range of wavelengths, especially in the ultraviolet region.
 

Considered a top Pitt innovator, Professor Asher has secured 24 U.S. patents. He frequently works with commercial partners to develop his technology into applications and has helped launch three start-up companies. He is currently working with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a scanner that will detect explosive materials at a distance, with the promise of improved security.

 

Professor Asher also pioneered the use of UV Raman spectroscopy for the study of protein folding, the process by which a protein structure assumes its functional shape or conformation. Protein mis-folding is involved in many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease and Professor Asher’s work holds the promise of future discoveries that may guide the understanding of the disease and treatment.

 

Professor Asher’s additional discoveries in the creation of three-dimensional photonic crystals has led to the development of a contact lens technology that provides easy and painless glucose testing for people suffering from diabetes. A chemical dot glucose sensor in the contact lenses measures the glucose concentration in the tear fluid. Based on the glucose level, the dot changes color  and can be easily monitored by simply looking in a mirror. A fiber optic catheter technology is also being developed to provide accurate, continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels for critically ill patients.

 

The Charles E. Kaufman Award Fund is a supporting organization of The Pittsburgh Foundation, with managerial oversight provided by a seven-member Board of Directors. Nominations for the award are solicited from selected colleges and universities in Pennsylvania that deliver graduate level programs.

 

Mr. Kaufman left his estate of approximately $50m to the Foundation. A major portion of this bequest will be used to expand his Award Fund in 2012 to create one of the largest grantmaking resources for scientific research in the state of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kaufman said in creating this award, “This is my way to give back and to help promote a better and a fairer world. I can accomplish more through others than I ever did myself.” 

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Sharon Mansfield
Assistant to Professor Sanford A. Asher
Department of Chemistry
University of Pittsburgh
(412) 624-6295