Micellular Electrospray Synthesis of Magnetic Quantum Dots

ID: MPS/DMR/BMAT(7623) 1206745 PI: Winter， Jessica ORG：俄亥俄州立大学标题：磁量子点的微细胞电喷雾合成知识优势：本研究将探索将量子点和磁性纳米颗粒结合起来的新合成路线。这些磁性量子点是荧光的，对磁场有响应，因此可以用于各种应用，包括多模态成像、分离和研究力在细胞功能中的作用。这些纳米复合材料将通过结合自下而上的组装策略（微细胞自组装）和自上而下的过程（电流体动力喷涂）来生产。在提出的方法中，电喷雾将产生连续、均匀、大表面积的乳液液滴，这些液滴将通过其与水的界面不稳定性转化为胶束。由于电喷雾颗粒的形态受到严格控制，微孔电喷雾应该能够更好地控制过程，并改善颗粒的均匀性、再现性和规模。鉴于电喷雾尚未被用于检测微细胞结构，我们将首先探索反应条件对空胶束产生的影响，然后研究纳米颗粒负载对胶束的影响。所产生的颗粒将通过单纳米复合材料分析技术进行表征。纳米尺度上的单颗粒磁性表征尚未得到证实。这种方法几乎可以应用于任何小于胶束核心的疏水结构，从而产生各种各样的纳米复合材料。这些研究也将增加对胶束-纳米粒子组合的理解，它不同于空胶束或包封分子的胶束。更广泛的影响：这项研究将由研究生、本科生和高中研究人员组成的不同团队执行。研究成果将通过一种独特的教育策略进行传播，该策略将教学和推广相结合，为K-14学生开发课程材料和实验演示。此外，提议的工作将被纳入由非营利合作伙伴EdHeads开发的教育视频游戏中，以提高K-12 STEM和纳米技术的意识。

ID: MPS/DMR/BMAT(7623) 1206745 PI: Winter, Jessica ORG: Ohio State UniversityTitle: Micellular Electrospray Synthesis of Magnetic Quantum DotsINTELLECTUAL MERIT: This research will examine new synthesis routes to unite quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles. These magnetic quantum dots are fluorescent and respond to a magnetic field and could thus be used in a variety of applications, including multimodal imaging, separations, and studies of the role of force in cell function. These nanocomposites will be produced by combining a bottom up assembly strategy (micellular self-assembly) with a top down process (electrohydrodynamic spraying). In the proposed approach, electrospray will generate continuous, uniform, large surface area emulsion droplets that will be transformed to micelles via their interfacial instability with water. Because the morphology of electrospray particles is tightly controlled, micellular electrospray should enable greater process control and improved particle uniformity, reproducibility, and scale. Given that electrospray has not previously been used to examine micellular structures, we will first explore the influence of reaction conditions on empty micelle production, and then investigate the influence of nanoparticle loading on micelles. Particles produced will be characterized through single nanocomposite analysis techniques. Single particle magnetic characterization at the nanoscale has not previously been demonstrated. This approach could be applied to virtually any hydrophobic structure smaller than the micelle core, thus producing a wide variety of nanocomposites. These studies will also increase understanding of micelle-nanoparticle assemblies, which are distinct from empty micelles or micelles encapsulating molecules.BROADER IMPACTS: This research will be executed by diverse teams of graduate, undergraduate, and high school researchers. Research results will be disseminated through a unique educational strategy that combines teaching and outreach to develop course materials and experimental demonstrations for K-14 students. Additionally, the proposed work will be incorporated into an educational video game developed by non-profit partner EdHeads to increase K-12 STEM and nanotechnology awareness.