Ilirian Dhimitruka

Post Doctoral Studies, The Ohio State University

Ph.D. Chemistry, Wayne State University

B.S. Chemistry, Universiteti i Tiranes, Albania

The research of Dr. Dhimitruka is focused on the analysis of antioxidant capacity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biological systems. There is scientific evidence that links ROS flux to the incidence of various pathologies. Organic syntheses and principles of spectroscopy are used to develop new molecular sensors, which are paramagnetic, capable of interacting with ROS. Such molecular sensors are characterized using multiple methods, such as UV spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Studies are underway to evaluate libraries of aromatic compounds for their ability to screen UV solar radiation, and to neutralize persistent radicals that are formed as result of such radiation in skin cells.

Organic Chemistry 

General Chemistry

Biochemistry

Publications at Mercy College:

1. Surendran, G.; McAteer, M.; Zanchelli, P.; Dhimitruka, I. Assessment of Hydroxycinnamic Acids Potential for Use as Multifunctional Active Ingredients in Sunscreens, Via a Comparative UV Spectroscopy Analysis. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2019, 11 (9), 37-44.
2. Poncelet, M.; Huffman, J.L.; Khramtsov, V.V.; Dhimitruka, I.; Driesschaert, B. Synthesis of Hydroxyethyl Tetrathiatriarylmethyl Radicals OXO63 and OXO71. RSC Advances, 2019, 9, 35073-35076.
3. Julie Polanco, Fredy Reyes-Vigil, Sarah D. Weisberg, Ilirian Dhimitruka and Juan L. Brusés. Differential spatial-temporal expression of type I and type II cadherins associated with neuromeric segmentation and formation of brain nuclei in the developing mouse. 2021, Front. Mol. Neurosci. 14: 633719.doi: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.633719
4. I. Dhimitruka and G. Surendran. Adaptation of project-based learning concepts to the organic chemistry I laboratory curriculum, in a small college environment. 2021. Accepted, Journal of College Science Teaching.

• Spring 2021: Faculty Development Grant, in collaboration with Dr. Geetha Surendran. "UV Spectroscopy analysis of the potential of plant extracts enriched in hydroxycinnamic acids to offer sunscreen protection". 
• Summer 2020: Mercy Summer Research Award. "Development of Triarylmethyl Sensors for the Detection and Quantification of Superoxide Radicals".
• Spring 2019: Faculty Development Grant, in collaboration with Dr. Geetha Surendran. “Second Generation Broadband UVA/UVB/Blue Light Sunscreens".