NIRT: Targeted Delivery and Microbial Interactions of Polymer-Functionalized Nanoparticles for Groundwater Contaminant Source-Zone Remediation

这个项目的重点是开发聚合物包覆的铁纳米颗粒，并将其靶向递送到水/非水相液体的界面，以更有效地修复被氯化有机化合物污染的地下水，特别是三氯乙烯和相关化合物。该项目将(1)设计“嵌段共聚物”，使纳米铁颗粒在受污染含水层的源区最大限度地积累；(2)改进聚合物设计，以实现最大的脱氯动力学；(3)纳入微生物相互作用。该方法涉及胶体现象、聚合物合成和多孔介质运输的创新组合，其中一些来自靶向药物递送领域。该项目的更广泛影响部分是强大的。这项研究具有广泛的社会意义；三氯乙烯对可能作为饮用水供应的地下水含水层的污染是一个重要的公共卫生问题。该项目计划将研究与跨学科教育活动相结合，包括多学科课程和K-12外展活动。

0608646TiltonThis project focuses on developing polymer-coated iron nanoparticles and targeting delivery to the interface of water/non-aqueous phase liquids to provide more efficient remediation of ground-water contaminated by chlorinated organic compounds, in particular trichloroethylene and related compounds. The project will (i) design "block copolymers" that will maximize accumulation of nano-iron particles in the source zone of such contaminated aquifers, (ii) refine polymer design to achieve maximum dechlorination kinetics, and (iii) incorporate microbial interactions. The approach involves innovative combinations of colloidal phenomena, polymer synthesis and transport in porous media, some of which are derived from the area of targeted drug delivery. The broader impacts component of the project is strong. The research has broad societal implications; contamination by TCE of ground-water aquifers that potentially serve as drinking water supplies is an important public health issue. The project has a plan to integrate the research with interdisciplinary educational activities, including a multi-disciplinary course and K-12 outreach activities.