Research Descriptions

Green and Biocompatible Nanocatalysis: Colloidal Metal Nanoparticles and Lipid-Metal Nanoparticle Assemblies (LNAs) for Catalytic Reactions under Physiological and Green Environments

The development of a simple and safe way to detect and cure diseases has been considered a high-priority area in the field of biotechnology and medical research. Our research specifically targets the preparation of biocompatible nanostructured catalysts for potential therapeutic agents (prodrug delivery and activation). The target nanocarriers are colloidal metal nanoparticles and lipid-nanoparticle assemblies (LNAs), such as carbohydrate-coated liposomes with bilayer-embedded nanoparticles and lipoprotein-encapsulated nanoparticles. Carbohydrates and proteins serve as cancer-specific targeting groups and will potentially guide LNAs to the tumor sites. Encapsulated metal nanoparticles act as activation catalysts for co-embedded prodrug molecules. By introducing different hydrophobic functional groups in the “tail” of hydrocarbon chains of organic ligands, we can adjust both steric and non-covalent interactions in the near-surface environment in a manner analogous to changing amino acid residues (side groups) in an enzyme binding pocket.

Photocatalysis: Semiconductor-Metal or Carbon Nanoparticles and NanoHybrid Assemblies for Photo-Enhanced Chemical Reactions

Our research targets the preparation of hybrid nanoassemblies suitable for photocatalysis and energy applications. Photoactive materials such as carbon nanoparticle/quantum dots and laser dyes with unique physical and chemical properties are considered promising candidates for enhancing the absorption of photoenergy and catalytic efficiency of adjoining nanoparticulate materials. The controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticle-carbon quantum dot hybrid assemblies and laser dye-linked metal nanoparticles will allow the fundamental understanding of the influence of photoactive materials on the chemical and electronic properties of catalytic Pd nanoparticles. Additional research goals include fluorescent coatings suitable for sensing and electronic devices. This new project aims to develop the chemical methodology for preparing fluorescent silicone polymer by embedding a fluorescent tag to the material before cure. 

 [Funded by DOE-EFRC via UCI]