Potential commercial applications of nanoparticles have raised concern regarding their toxicological effects with respect to humans and the environment. The goals of this project were to examine the effect of chemical functionalization and surface charge on the interaction between nanoparticles and cell membranes and to predict nanoparticle behavior in the environment using humic acid polymer. Humic acid polymer either decreased or altered the mechanism of interaction depending on surface charge and chemical functionalization. Additionally, chemical functionalization and surface charge influenced the extent to which cell membrane integrity was disrupted. Membrane integrity was disrupted by two mechanisms: nanoparticle adsorption to the membrane and fracturing of the membrane.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Logan, Theresa Jean
• Ly, Michelle

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042313-195640

Advisor

• Camesano, Terri Anne

Year

• 2013

Date created

• 2013-04-23

Location

• Worcester

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright