Document Type
Poster
Date
Summer 2022
Academic Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Faculty Advisor(s)
Dr. Lauren E. Toote
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination is a problem worldwide, and it has dangerous effects on humans and the environment. Lead is one of the most common metal toxins due to its presence in a variety of household items including paint and pipes. Mercury is another common toxin that is dangerous due to its long half-life which causes it to buildup in not only water sources, but also inhabiting wildlife. The consumption of both metals is detrimental to human health, therefore proper detection methods are needed. Various detection methods exist but are not cost or time efficient. Molecular probes could be a solution as they are known for their detection abilities since they yield specific visual responses to specific metals. However, they are insoluble in water and lack sensitivity and selectivity. The goal of this research is to use polymer-nanoparticles to encapsulate hydrophobic molecular probes, allowing them to detect metals in aqueous environments.
Recommended Citation
DeWittie, Kyla, "Encapsulation of Molecular Probes in Polymer Nanoparticles for Visual Detection of Heavy Metals in Water" (2022). Summer Scholarship, Creative Arts and Research Projects (SCARP). 19.
https://jayscholar.etown.edu/scarp/19
Notes
Scholarship, Creative Arts, and Research Project (SCARP)