URI College of Engineering’s Post

Our latest research paper, "Synthesis of novel Fe3O4@gly@Indole@CuNO3 magnetic nanoparticle as high-performance antibiotic absorbent, antimicrobial agent, and reusable magnetic Nano catalyst," has been published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. This work introduces a novel material that offers significant improvements in environmental remediation and antimicrobial applications. A huge thanks to my co-authors Mohammadreza Moghaddam-Manesh, , Aboulfazl Barati, Ali Moshkriz, and Maryam SeyedSharifi for their invaluable contributions. Our collaborative effort has resulted in a promising solution for pollutant removal and bacterial control. 🔗 DOI: https://lnkd.in/dAJWAAyA #MagneticNanoparticles #Antimicrobial #Catalysis #EnvironmentalEngineering #MaterialScience #SustainableTechnology #Research #Innovation #Science #Engineering #Sustainability

Opening a new chapter in poly(2-oxazoline)-based hydrogels   Marcus Textor is one of the pioneers of biointerface science. I had the honor to working with him as a postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zurich back in 2008 when we systematically investigated poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as an alternative to the gold standard PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)) as a polymer for anti-adhesive / anti-fouling / non-fouling / protein-repellent / bioinert surface coatings. Both polymers fulfill the rules that George Whitesides and others postulated for such bioinert coatings (hydrophilic, zero net charge, no H-bond donor) and, when properly linked to the surface in a dense and defect-free manner, are capable to basically eliminate surface adsorption of biological species including proteins and microorganisms. We later on worked with Viola Vogel, Tessa Lühmann and their teams and could demonstrate that while both polymers can impart similar surface properties, poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)-based coatings show much greater stability under application conditions such as in cell culture.   Another advantage of poly(2-oxazoline)-based systems is the much more versatile chemical platform accessible through the living cationic ring opening polymerization of the 2-oxazoline monomers allowing to readily incorporate not only functional monomers but also functional termini at both polymer chain ends. When working on novel solutions for non-fouling membranes I had the pleasure to work with Peter Ohlemüller and we set out to establish a robust and scalable hydrogel system for membrane post-treatment based on this chemistry. We are now sharing the synthesis of novel photoactivatable poly(2-oxazoline)s, corresponding photoactivatable macromonomers and hydrogel-forming prepolymer systems derived therefrom. These polymers can be readily applied through e.g. dip-, draw-down or spray processes on various substrates and simultaneously crosslinked and covalently attached to plastic substrates through a short UV exposure leading to C-H insertion (termed 'CHic'-chemistry by Jürgen Rühe). We demonstrated resistance of modified surfaces to bacterial adhesion and applicability of the system to polymeric membranes.   Check out details in our recent publication:   https://lnkd.in/ewA2q7_B

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 Fullerene, a unique form of carbon, is composed entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube-like structure. The most well-known form, Buckminsterfullerene (C60), consists of 60 carbon atoms linked in a shape resembling a soccer ball, with alternating hexagonal and pentagonal faces. Fullerenes were discovered in 1985 by scientists Robert Curl, Harold Kroto, and Richard Smalley, a breakthrough that earned them the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1996. These molecules are part of the broader class of carbon allotropes, which includes graphite, diamond, and carbon nanotubes. Fullerenes have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive chemical and physical properties, including high resilience, ability to withstand high pressures, and a large surface area for chemical reactions. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲. 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 @ ?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=Vandana&utm_campaign=Vandana The potential applications of fullerenes are vast and varied, spanning fields such as materials science, electronics, and medicine. In electronics, fullerenes are being investigated for use in organic photovoltaic cells and semiconductors due to their ability to accept and transport electrons efficiently. In the medical field, fullerenes are explored for their antioxidant properties, as their structure allows them to act as radical scavengers, potentially useful in treating diseases linked to oxidative stress. Additionally, fullerenes have shown promise in drug delivery systems, as their hollow structure can be used to encapsulate and transport therapeutic agents. These innovative applications, combined with the unique properties of fullerenes, make them a crucial focus in the development of next-generation technologies. 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings America Nano-C, Inc. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Nanocyl SA OTTO-CHEMIE Tokyo Chemical Industry UK Ltd MTR Foods Private Limited Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials Inc. Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd. (SRL) SES Research Inc #Fullerenes #Nanotechnology #CarbonScience #AdvancedMaterials #TechInnovation #FutureOfScience #Nanostructures #FullereneResearch #MaterialScience #NextGenTech

🔬 Exploring Coprecipitation for Nanoparticle Synthesis! 🔬 Ever wondered how nanoparticles are synthesized using coprecipitation? Let's dive into this fascinating method! Coprecipitation involves the simultaneous precipitation of two or more substances from a solution. In nanoparticle synthesis, it's a versatile technique widely used for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing various types of nanoparticles with controlled properties. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process: 1️⃣ Precursor Solutions: Metal salts (precursors) are dissolved in a solvent to form precursor solutions. 2️⃣ pH Adjustment: The pH of the solution is adjusted using a base or an acid to create conditions favoring precipitation. 3️⃣ Formation of Precipitate: Addition of a precipitating agent (e.g., hydroxide ions) leads to the formation of insoluble metal hydroxides, which subsequently form nanoparticles. 4️⃣ Nanoparticle Growth: Further growth and stabilization of nanoparticles occur through aging or post-synthesis treatments. Benefits of coprecipitation include its scalability, ability to control particle size, and suitability for various compositions. It's widely used in industries ranging from catalysis to biomedical applications. Understanding coprecipitation opens doors to tailored nanoparticle synthesis for diverse applications, driving innovation in materials science and beyond! Have you utilized coprecipitation in your research or industry work? Share your insights below! Let's spark a discussion on nanoparticle synthesis techniques. 🔍💡 #Nanotechnology #MaterialsScience #Research Jaya Lakkakula Geetanjali Mallick Palak Kalra Sarah Jose Saloni Jain Devanshi Soni Itishri Sharma Krishi Patel

I am excited to share that the third chapter of my PhD thesis has been published in the esteemed journal 'Carbohydrate Polymers'. The paper, titled "Colloidal Interactions between Nanochitin and Surfactants: Connecting Micro- and Macroscopic Properties by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry and Rheology," delves into the intricate interactions between chitin nanocrystals and surfactants with the same hydrophobic tail but different head groups. Using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and dynamic rheological analysis, we explored how these interactions influence adsorption, self-assembly, and micellization in aqueous media. Our findings reveal fascinating insights into the molecular interactions and their translation into macroscopic properties, providing valuable knowledge for the development of nanocomposites with tailored properties. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my advisors, Dr. Saad Khan and Dr. Orlando Rojas, for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this research journey. Additionally, I want to thank my co-author, Xiaoya Su, for her significant contributions and collaboration. This research represents a dynamic collaboration between the departments of NC State Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University and Chemical and Biological Engineering at UBC, The University of British Columbia. You can read more about this work: https://lnkd.in/eRvR2k4R #PhD #Research #Nanomaterials #Chitin #Nanochitin #Surfactants #ITC #Rheology #ScientificPublication #Grateful #Interactions #Chemical #Publications #Biomaterials #Share #Work #Engineering

🚀 Single Polymer Nanoparticles (SPNs) and Their Exciting Applications 🌐 Single Polymer Nanoparticles (SPNs) are fascinating nanoscale materials formed by the collapse of a single polymer chain into a particle. With sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, SPNs are gaining attention in fields like drug delivery, imaging, and materials science due to their unique properties and versatility. 🔬 Synthesis of SPNs SPNs are typically synthesized through methods like emulsion polymerization, solvent evaporation, or direct polymerization. The choice of polymer and conditions impact the size, shape, and surface characteristics, making SPNs highly customizable. ✨ Key Properties and Applications Drug Delivery: SPNs can be engineered to deliver therapeutic agents precisely where needed, showing promise in cancer therapy. Imaging and Diagnostics: Functionalized SPNs aid in long-term medical imaging, enhancing the clarity and precision of diagnostics. Catalysis: SPNs act as efficient catalysts, with surfaces tailored to enhance reaction rates and selectivity. Environmental Applications: Designed to bind and remove pollutants, SPNs are explored for water remediation. In a 2020 Nature Communications paper, we reported the synthesis of mega hyperbranched polyglycerols (mega HPGs), SPNs in the million Dalton range. These water-soluble, nanometer-scale SPNs exhibit low intrinsic viscosities and act as lubricants, reducing the coefficient of friction between natural surfaces. This is attributed to their globular, highly hydrated structure. Our findings pave the way for new possibilities in the design and synthesis of SPNs. These polymers, with their distinct size, structure, and composition, mirror the function of large biomacromolecules that play vital roles in living organisms. Advances in synthetic polymer chemistry are paving the way for the creation of large, single-entity molecular structures and self-assembled complexes, offering exciting opportunities in both fundamental science and practical applications. #Nanotechnology #PolymerScience #DrugDelivery #MaterialsScience

At Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, I had the privilege of conducting advanced laboratory research focused on polymer synthesis, with a particular emphasis on two cutting-edge areas: thermo-responsive hydrogels and high internal phase emulsion polymerization (PolyHIPE). Thermo-responsive hydrogels are a class of polymers that exhibit a reversible change in their swelling behavior in response to temperature variations. This unique property makes them highly promising for applications such as controlled drug delivery systems, where the release of therapeutic agents can be precisely modulated by external temperature stimuli. High internal phase emulsion polymerization (PolyHIPE) involves the synthesis of porous polymers with a high volume fraction of internal voids. These interconnected pores impart unique properties such as high surface area and mechanical flexibility, making PolyHIPE materials suitable for diverse applications ranging from tissue scaffolds and biomedical implants to lightweight structural components.  #polymer #nanotechnology #nanoparticles Master Erasmus Mundus CNE Chemical NanoEngineering

Did you know the television show 'The Simpsons' predicted Ben Feringa's Nobel Prize in Chemistry? In a recent interview, the 2016 Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry explains the latest developments regarding designing the world’s smallest machines, including light-activated drugs to improve treatments for cancer and infection. Feringa was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Fraser Stoddart for their revolutionary work in designing and producing these molecular machines. Feringa envisions the nanomachines being able to penetrate the human body to deliver drugs precisely where needed, create recyclable plastics, and develop self-repairing materials. The technology could for example be used to drill into cancer cells to inject drugs directly. According to Feringa this could lead to smart pharmaceuticals that minimise side effects and improve precision therapies. Feringa doesn't yet dare to say when this technology will become a reality, though he states that it is a scientific field that is developing rapidly. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3B4S2RI

X-ray technology enhances understanding of drug formulation 💊 By utilising powerful X-ray imaging techniques, researchers at Chalmers tekniska högskola, the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) and EPFL, have investigated drug formulations. “Nobody has previously employed these synchrotron-based techniques in this context, and we find the results fascinating. This method could be directly applied in the development and research of drug formulations,” says Professor Aleksandar Matic. When a tablet releases a drug into the body, the release rate should vary depending on the desired therapeutic effect. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms controlling release and stabilising drug substances in a polymer matrix – a common material in drug formulations – is crucial. The researchers have demonstrated that advanced synchrotron-based X-ray imaging techniques can be used to study the structure of formulations to better understand drug release processes. They have also developed a material concept, a polymer matrix, where the structure and composition govern release mechanisms. “We show that this type of X-ray technology can be used to understand these materials. There is great potential for drug formulation development using these powerful techniques, as they offer new ways to examine materials in detail. You can explore the material with very high contrast and in 3D volumes comparatively larger than other methods allow,” says researcher Martina Olsson. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gxPmNhsz #xray #research #nano #synchrotron #physics Chalmers Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Marianne Liebi Anette Larsson

📣We are very pleased to announce the Polymer Chemistry themed collection on Trends in Thermoresponsive Polymers: from Chemistry to Applications. All the articles in the collection are currently FREE to read until the 21st of February 2025!📣 Read the collection now ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ergn3mhm This themed collection aims to present the latest trends in the chemistry, characterisation, and applications of thermoresponsive polymers. New strategies for the synthesis of thermoresponsive polymers and their characterisation promise to enable a new era of functional thermoresponsive materials in variety fields of applications. Examples include methods to prepare synthetic polymers, hydrogels which show thermoresponsive properties, and their characterisation. These features can impact specific functions such as mechanical properties, self-assembly, or interactions with biological systems, and their applications in a variety of fields, including biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and bioprinting. The Guest Editors for this collection are: ·        Professor Theoni Georgiou (Imperial College London, U.K.) ·        Professor Richard Hoogenboom (Ghent University, Belgium) ·        Professor Akihiko Kikuchi (Tokyo University of Science, Japan) Read their editorial at https://lnkd.in/eT9H2jYK All the articles in the collection are currently FREE to read until the 21st of February 2025!