By Ayo Onikoyi

Faced with the urgent global threat of antibiotic resistance – a crisis that, according to the World Health Organization, could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 and cost the world up to $100 trillion if left unchecked – and the persistent challenges of viral infections, Uzoamaka Clara Bokolo, a dedicated doctoral candidate at the University of Toledo, is deeply immersed in research that seeks to redefine our approach to these critical healthcare problems. Her work intricately weaves together carbohydrate chemistry, innovative drug design, groundbreaking discovery methods, and cutting-edge vaccine development, directly targeting pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and viruses like Hantavirus.

Aided by her expertise in techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Electron Spray Mass Spectrometry, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and scientific software like MestReNova, Uzoamaka is uniquely equipped to explore the potential of molecules to revolutionize healthcare, structural biology, microbiology, and immunology. Her passion lies in harnessing this potential, with a particular focus on deciphering biomolecular interactions to gain a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and potential treatments, ultimately aiming to develop novel solutions for preventing and treating infectious diseases.

Uzoamaka’s expertise in carbohydrate chemistry has positioned her at the forefront of crucial projects that directly address these challenges. Her research into synthesizing derivatives for Hantavirus Endonuclease showcases her ability to design and execute systematic synthesis strategies, optimizing reaction conditions, and meticulously characterizing synthesized derivatives – a crucial step in developing antiviral therapies needed to combat a virus with a case fatality rate as high as 40% in some outbreaks, according to the CDC.

Her work developing a robust synthetic strategy for the targeted production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exopolysaccharide (Psl) on polymer support directly targets a bacterium responsible for approximately 51,000 healthcare-associated infections in the US each year (CDC), with a significant percentage exhibiting antibiotic resistance. By optimizing the glycosylation of the saccharides to ensure high yields and purity, and also designing and executing the synthetic pathway for the Psl pentasaccharide unit, Uzoamaka is not merely conducting experiments; she is laying the groundwork for future medical breakthroughs.

The impact of Uzoamaka’s work extends beyond the laboratory, contributing to collaborative problem-solving within the scientific community. She has been an active participant in numerous conferences and symposia.

She has presented her work at the Midwest – National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), and has also given an oral presentation at the Pfizer Chemistry Connect Virtual Symposium. Uzoamaka also presented at the Midwest Carbohydrate and Glycobiology Symposium (MCGS), as well as the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall Conference.

Uzoamaka Bokolo’s research is not confined to academic circles; it holds immense promise for real-world applications, contributing directly to solving pressing global health issues. Her work paves the way for innovative approaches to vaccine development and therapeutic interventions, particularly against persistent and drug-resistant pathogens, which will reduce the reliance on traditional antibiotics and combat the rise of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). As she continues to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, Uzoamaka is poised to make lasting contributions to the well-being of society, exemplifying the transformative power of dedication, innovation, and collaboration in scientific research.