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I have observed unique variations in AC electrical conductivity of solids by dielectric analysis (DEA or DETA) when studied with respect to temperature and frequency. A wide range of solids were examined for this study e.g. organics, polymers, carbohydrates, API s (active pharmacy ingredients) and amino acids. Experimental results clearly show novel dielectric behavior of a linear increase in a log ionic conductivity vs. temperature in the pre-melt (20 to 30oC below the melt temperature) and melt transition regions. To explore the cause and effect relationship between structure and enhanced electrical conductivity, we have conducted a number of reactions with and without the AC dielectric field to ascertain if it is affecting the reaction rate or products. The most predominant reaction of all experiments to date was of a reducing amino acid and carbohydrate which showed enhanced reaction rate in the dielectric field. Dielectric analyses of the materials were further investigated by evaluating malaria driven proteins and poly peptides to develop a sensor for detecting malaria.

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Dhruthiman R Mantheni (Dhru) graduated with PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Cleveland State University in 2012. He is working for Americhem Inc, as a research scientist. He has authored and co-authored 10 articles in peer reviewed journals. He has a very diverse background in pharmacy, polymer, thermal and analytical sciences.

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