Nanoparticle Interactions and Nanoscale Transport in Polyelectrolyte Brushes

纳米粒子有各种大小、形状、化学成分和功能，包括折叠蛋白质、病毒和量子点。该项目将研究单个纳米粒子在复杂环境中的运动。以前对纳米粒子运动的大多数研究都局限于对均匀环境中的粒子或粒子集合的研究，这些研究提供了一个有价值的基础。成像方法和数据处理方法的最新进展使得研究非均质环境中的纳米粒子成为可能，一次只能研究一个粒子。一种新的成像方法提供了更高的空间和时间分辨率，可以检测界面上的生物分子，研究人员将把这种先进的成像方法应用于研究纳米粒子在界面上的运动，特别是具有各种功能的界面。这些研究和基本了解将为基于尺寸、形状或电荷分离天然或合成纳米颗粒的高级策略提供信息。研究人员将指导本科生研究人员，参与费城各地的公共推广活动，并与一个项目合作，将科学实验室带给服务不足的高中生。纳米颗粒有各种大小、形状、化学成分和功能，从折叠蛋白质、病毒和量子点。由于界面上的纳米粒子支持包括纳米级过滤和检测在内的广泛和不断扩大的应用范围，该项目将研究单个纳米粒子在复杂的局部环境中的运动。以前对纳米粒子运动的大多数研究都局限于对均匀环境中的粒子或粒子集合的研究，这些研究提供了一个有价值的基础。成像方法和数据处理方法的最新进展使得研究非均质环境中的纳米粒子成为可能，一次只能研究一个粒子。干涉散射显微镜提供了卓越的空间和时间分辨率，最初是为了对界面上的生物分子成像而开发的。该项目将使用这种先进的方法来研究纳米粒子在界面上的运动，特别是在外加电场下具有各种功能的界面上的运动。这些研究和基本的理解将为基于尺寸、形状或电荷的天然或合成纳米颗粒的分离提供先进的策略，通过设计有选择地捕获纳米颗粒的界面来实现。这一新的认识也将为生产具有更统一特性的更高质量的纳米颗粒产品提供策略。纳米粒子动力学的差异化机制也可以导致先进的传感应用。PiS Winey和Composto将指导本科生研究人员，参与费城各地的公共推广活动，并与一项计划合作，将科学实验室带给未得到充分服务的高中生。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Nanoparticles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, chemistries, and functionalities, including folded proteins, viruses, and quantum dots. This project will research the motion of individual nanoparticles in complex environments. Most previous studies of nanoparticle motion have been limited to studies of ensembles of particles or particles in homogeneous environments, and these studies provide a valuable foundation upon which to build. Recent advances in imaging methods and data processing methods enable the study of nanoparticles in heterogeneous environments one particle at a time. A new imaging method provides improved spatial and temporal resolution that detects biomolecules at interface, and the investigators will apply this advanced imaging method to the study of nanoparticle motion at interfaces, particularly interfaces with various functionalities. These studies and fundamental understanding will inform advanced strategies for separating natural or synthetic nanoparticles based on size, shape, or charge. The investigators will mentor undergraduate researchers, engage with public outreach events across Philadelphia, and partner with a program to bring the science laboratory to underserved high school students.Nanoparticles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, chemistries, and functionalities, ranging from folded proteins, viruses, and quantum dots. Because nanoparticles at interfaces underpin a broad and expanding range of applications including nanoscale filtering and detection, this project will research the motion of individual nanoparticles in complex local environments. Most previous studies of nanoparticle motion have been limited to studies of ensembles of particles or particles in homogeneous environments, and these studies provide a valuable foundation upon which to build. Recent advances in imaging methods and data processing methods enable the study of nanoparticles in heterogeneous environments one particle at a time. Interferometric scattering microscopy provides exceptional spatial and temporal resolution and was originally developed to image biomolecules at interfaces. This project will use this advanced method to study nanoparticle motion at interfaces, particularly interfaces with various functionalities, and under applied electric fields. These studies and fundamental understanding will inform advanced strategies for separating natural or synthetic nanoparticles based on size, shape, or charge by designing interfaces that selectively trap nanoparticles. This new understanding will also provide strategies for producing higher quality nanoparticle products with more uniform characteristics. Differentiating mechanisms of nanoparticle dynamics can also lead to advanced sensing applications. PIs Winey and Composto will mentor undergraduate researchers, engage with public outreach events across Philadelphia, and partner with a program to bring the science laboratory to underserved high school students.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.