POLYMERIC NANOMATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Polymeric nanoparticles prepared from biocompatible polyesters are well studied in drug delivery applications. However, little is known on the stability and biological properties of hydrophobic non-biohydrolyzable stable polymer particles. In this thesis, a detailed study on synthesis, characterization, stability and optical properties of hydrophobic fluorescent dye encapsulated polymethyl(methyacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles is provided. The emission properties of multiple perylene dyes incorporated PMMA nanoparticles were also discussed in detail. Biological interactions of such nanoparticles were investigated in both in-vitro (Baby Hamster Kidney cells) and in-vivo (Barnacles: Amphibalanus Amphitrite) models. After controlled exposure, fluorescent images of the cells and barnacle larvae showed a fast intake and translocations of nanoparticles. In addition, synthesis and properties of amine functionalized perylene derivatives and their interactions with heavy metal ions in water are also reported. Overall, our results this investigation are useful towards understanding the bioimpact of microplastic pollution in ocean.