Date of Award
8-2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Legacy Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Mefford, Olin T
Committee Member
Kitchens , Christopher L
Committee Member
Foulger , Stephen H
Abstract
This study was conducted to track ligand exchange on the surface of metallic nanoparticles in order obtain a better understanding of binding strength of various functional groups. This study develops groundwork for further understanding ligand exchange as nanoparticles transition from engineered to natural systems. A problem exists in knowing the fate of these particles if they are released into natural systems, by accident or with intent. To gain a better understanding of what may occur we look at the binding strength of different ligands. This is done to gain knowledge of the possibility of displacement of ligands occurring in the environment. In order to monitor the binding strength of different ligands a new characterization technique utilizing the phenomena of Fluorescent Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) is employed. This technique utilizes the quenching properties of gold nanoparticles and fluorescent-labeled ligands to monitor competitive binding between two ligands. The use of fluorescence allows for a sensitive measurement (on the nanomole scale) of ligand exchange on the surface of gold nanoparticles.
This study was conducted in three different parts. The first one was conducted to monitor the competitive binding between bound ligands and incoming mono-functional ligands. This was accomplished by tagging five different functional ligands with a fluorescein-dye. As the fluorescein-terminated ligands exchange on the surface of gold nanoparticles a change in fluorescence intensity is observed. The second study was conducted in the same manner as the first, however this study monitored the effect of bi-functional ligands verse mono-functional ligands as well to monitor concentration effects. The third study conducted was done using a two-dye system. In these studies both the incoming and bound ligand were tagged with a fluorescent-dye. This was done to monitor direct exchange of ligands.
Recommended Citation
D'Unger, Daniel, "MEASURING LIGAND EXCHANGE ON THE SURFACE OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES: A STUDY OF COMPETITIVE BINDING OF LIGANDS UTILIZING FLUORESCENT RESONANCE ENERGY TRANSFER" (2012). All Theses. 1467.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/1467