Preparation of photocatalytic TiO₂ nanoparticles immobilized on carbon nanofibres for water purification
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water -- Purification , Titanium alloys -- Industrial applications , Titanium , Nanoparticles , Drinking water -- Purification , Drinking water -- Contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/367 , Water -- Purification , Titanium alloys -- Industrial applications , Titanium , Nanoparticles , Drinking water -- Purification , Drinking water -- Contamination
- Description: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared using the sol-gel process. The effect of temperature and precursor concentration on particle size was investigated. The optimum conditions were then used to prepare carbon and nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Doping was done to reduce band gap of the nanoparticles in order to utilize visible light in the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds. A significant shift of the absorption edge to a longer wavelength (lower energy) from 420 nm to 456 nm and 420 nm to 428 nm was observed for the carbon doped and nitrogen doped TiO2 respectively. In this study, the prepared TiO2 photocatalyst was immobilized on carbon nanofibres to allow isolation and reuse of catalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was tested using methyl orange as a model pollutant and was based on the decolourization of the dye as it was degraded. The doped TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the undoped TiO2. The materials prepared were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, DSC and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, ESR and Raman Spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Water -- Purification , Titanium alloys -- Industrial applications , Titanium , Nanoparticles , Drinking water -- Purification , Drinking water -- Contamination
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11330 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/367 , Water -- Purification , Titanium alloys -- Industrial applications , Titanium , Nanoparticles , Drinking water -- Purification , Drinking water -- Contamination
- Description: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared using the sol-gel process. The effect of temperature and precursor concentration on particle size was investigated. The optimum conditions were then used to prepare carbon and nitrogen doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. Doping was done to reduce band gap of the nanoparticles in order to utilize visible light in the photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds. A significant shift of the absorption edge to a longer wavelength (lower energy) from 420 nm to 456 nm and 420 nm to 428 nm was observed for the carbon doped and nitrogen doped TiO2 respectively. In this study, the prepared TiO2 photocatalyst was immobilized on carbon nanofibres to allow isolation and reuse of catalyst. The photocatalytic activity of the catalyst was tested using methyl orange as a model pollutant and was based on the decolourization of the dye as it was degraded. The doped TiO2 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than the undoped TiO2. The materials prepared were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, DSC and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, ESR and Raman Spectroscopy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Probing the biocompatibility of biomedical interfaces using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation
- Authors: Cromhout, Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Biomedical materials , Nanostructured materials , Biomedical engineering , Quartz crystal microbalances , Blood proteins , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010660
- Description: The biomedical application of nanotechnology has come into the spotlight, with the promise of ‘personalised’ therapeutics that couple early diagnosis with targeted therapeutic activity. Due to the rapid growth of the biomedical applications of nanoparticles, along with the lack of understanding concerning their interactions with biomolecules, there is a pressing need for the development of standard methods directed at investigating the effect of introducing these unique particles into the human body. The central aim of this research is to establish a platform directed at assessing the biological fate of pioneering therapeutic particulate agents, such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs). In particular, we proposed, that Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) technology may be employed to assess the composition of blood protein corona deposited on the therapeutic surface, and subsequently assess the biocompatibility of such particles. The proposed method of protein detection utilises the nanogram sensitivity of QCM-D technology to monitor highly specific antibody-antigen interactions. In particular those interactions which occur when probe antibodies are used to detect adsorbed blood proteins deposited on target particle-modified sensor surfaces. Protein detection analysis was directed toward identification of surface bound human serum albumin, complement factor C3c, and human plasma fibrinogen. Preliminary analysis of generic biomedical surfaces indicated human serum albumin demonstrates a higher binding affinity towards positively charged surfaces (i.e. cysteamine self-assembled monolayer), followed by hydrophobic surfaces. Detection of complement C3c, corresponded with literature, where lower levels were detected on negatively charged surfaces (i.e. mercapto undecanoic acid self-assembled monolayer), and higher levels of more hydrophobic surfaces (i.e. 11-amino undecane thiol self-assembled monolayer). Human plasma fibrinogen was observed to favour hydrophilic over hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer surfaces, which was in accordance with literature. Application of the proposed protein detection method for biocompatibility analysis of target therapeutic molecules, namely metallophthalocyanines and acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes, demonstrated a dependence on modified-surface film characteristics, such as surface charge and topography with regards to human serum albumin and human plasma fibrinogen analysis representing new insights into their potential biomolecular interactions The highest levels of detected human serum albumin and complement C3c were detected on the GePcSmix-modified surfaces. AlPcSmix-modified surfaces analysis suggested the highest levels of human plasma fibrinogen. Two methods of acid functionalisation were employed, using both nitric and sulphuric acid, and pure nitric acid. A general increase in detected human serum albumin, corresponding with an increase in functionalisation time, was observed. Complement C3c detection suggested an increase in deposited complement C3c, with increasing functionalisation time, when assessing nitric acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and a decrease, with increasing functionalisation time, when assessing nitric and sulphuric acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Analysis of human plasma fibrinogen was inconclusive, as were cytotoxicity experiments utilising MCF-7 cells in the presence of metallophthalocyanine complexes, raising simultaneously important considerations for their application and study. In the first such detailed examination of its kind it was concluded that the proposed method of protein detection, using QCM-D, allows for the rudimentary but rapid means of analysis of select protein corona deposited on particulate biomedical surfaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cromhout, Mary
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Biomedical materials , Nanostructured materials , Biomedical engineering , Quartz crystal microbalances , Blood proteins , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010660
- Description: The biomedical application of nanotechnology has come into the spotlight, with the promise of ‘personalised’ therapeutics that couple early diagnosis with targeted therapeutic activity. Due to the rapid growth of the biomedical applications of nanoparticles, along with the lack of understanding concerning their interactions with biomolecules, there is a pressing need for the development of standard methods directed at investigating the effect of introducing these unique particles into the human body. The central aim of this research is to establish a platform directed at assessing the biological fate of pioneering therapeutic particulate agents, such as metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs). In particular, we proposed, that Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) technology may be employed to assess the composition of blood protein corona deposited on the therapeutic surface, and subsequently assess the biocompatibility of such particles. The proposed method of protein detection utilises the nanogram sensitivity of QCM-D technology to monitor highly specific antibody-antigen interactions. In particular those interactions which occur when probe antibodies are used to detect adsorbed blood proteins deposited on target particle-modified sensor surfaces. Protein detection analysis was directed toward identification of surface bound human serum albumin, complement factor C3c, and human plasma fibrinogen. Preliminary analysis of generic biomedical surfaces indicated human serum albumin demonstrates a higher binding affinity towards positively charged surfaces (i.e. cysteamine self-assembled monolayer), followed by hydrophobic surfaces. Detection of complement C3c, corresponded with literature, where lower levels were detected on negatively charged surfaces (i.e. mercapto undecanoic acid self-assembled monolayer), and higher levels of more hydrophobic surfaces (i.e. 11-amino undecane thiol self-assembled monolayer). Human plasma fibrinogen was observed to favour hydrophilic over hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer surfaces, which was in accordance with literature. Application of the proposed protein detection method for biocompatibility analysis of target therapeutic molecules, namely metallophthalocyanines and acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes, demonstrated a dependence on modified-surface film characteristics, such as surface charge and topography with regards to human serum albumin and human plasma fibrinogen analysis representing new insights into their potential biomolecular interactions The highest levels of detected human serum albumin and complement C3c were detected on the GePcSmix-modified surfaces. AlPcSmix-modified surfaces analysis suggested the highest levels of human plasma fibrinogen. Two methods of acid functionalisation were employed, using both nitric and sulphuric acid, and pure nitric acid. A general increase in detected human serum albumin, corresponding with an increase in functionalisation time, was observed. Complement C3c detection suggested an increase in deposited complement C3c, with increasing functionalisation time, when assessing nitric acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and a decrease, with increasing functionalisation time, when assessing nitric and sulphuric acid functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Analysis of human plasma fibrinogen was inconclusive, as were cytotoxicity experiments utilising MCF-7 cells in the presence of metallophthalocyanine complexes, raising simultaneously important considerations for their application and study. In the first such detailed examination of its kind it was concluded that the proposed method of protein detection, using QCM-D, allows for the rudimentary but rapid means of analysis of select protein corona deposited on particulate biomedical surfaces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The photophysical properties of low symmetry phthalocyanines in conjunction with quantum dots
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004992 , Phthalocyanines , Photochemistry , Zinc , Quantum dots , Spectrum analysis , Nanoparticles
- Description: he synthesis, extensive spectroscopic characterization and photophysical studies of low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine have been conducted. Comparisons have been made taking into consideration the influence of the solvent properties as well as substituent type and position. Photosensitizing properties of the zinc phthalocyanine derivatives in the presence of thiol capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were compared. The QDs were used as energy transfer donors and to facilitate with energy transfer through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) from the QDs to the MPcs. The linkage of unsymmetrically substituted 4-monoaminophenoxy zinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPPc) to CdTe quantum dots capped with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), L-cysteine (L-cys) or thioglycolic acid (TGA) has been achieved using the coupling agents ethyl-N3 dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS), which facilitate formation of an amide bond to form the QD-ZnAPPc-linked complex. The formation of the amide bond was confirmed using UV-Vis, Raman and IR spectroscopies, as well as AFM (atomic force microscopy). Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) resulted in stimulated emission of ZnAPPc in both the linked (QDZnAPPc-linked) and mixed (QD:ZnAPPc-mixed) conjugates for MPA only. The linked L-cys and TGA complexes (QD-ZnAPPc-linked) gave the largest FRET efficiencies hence showing the advantages of covalent linking. Fluorescence quantum yields of QDs were decreased in QD:ZnAPPc-mixed and QD:ZnAPPc-linked. High triplet state quantum yields were obtained for the linked QD-phthalocyanine derivatives (ZnAPPc)and monoaminozinc phthalocyanine (ZnAPc) compared to when ZnAPPc and ZnAPc were mixed with MPA QDs without a chemical bond.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
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