The project's primary aim is to establish an economically viable and environmentally friendly approach that harnesses the potential of Carbon Quantum Dots (CQDs) as photocatalysts in the synthesis of functional polymers through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Distinguished by their unique attributes, including adjustable luminescence, chemical and optical stability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, CQDs stand apart from conventional heavy-metal semiconductor nanoparticles commonly used in photopolymerization. Given the demand for an exceptionally efficient photocatalyst within ATRP concepts, exploring the efficacy of CQDs is imperative, given their potential to serve as a cost-effective and universally applicable photocatalyst for the production of diverse polymers. This is especially crucial as prevailing photocatalysts and photosensitizers in ATRP often lack sustainable pathways, underscoring the need for more environmentally conscious alternatives.
Thus, the fundamental principle underlying this project is the preparation of functional polymers through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), employing CQDs as photocatalysts, and after functionalization, utilizing them as a photocatalyst and ATRP macroinitiator for the generation of branched macromolecules with a centrally located CQDs and side chains of polymers. Functional monomers will undergo polymerization, yielding graft polymer chains with varying compositions, spanning linear (co)polymers to macromolecules boasting branched architectures. This comprehensive exploration will encompass property testing, including cytotoxicity, evaluations and analysis of drug-release profiles, characterized by pH-responsiveness and thermoresponsiveness. The ultimate goal is to determine the feasibility of deploying these materials within in intelligent drug delivery systems that facilitate ongoing drug tracking within the body, as well as for cell bioimaging.
Structured around four primary tasks, the project will initiate with an assessment of CQD photocatalyst performance in photoinduced ATRP. This will be succeeded by optimizing the polymerization process for a wide array of monomers, such as acrylates, methacrylates, and acrylamides. Additionally, the mechanism governing their performance will be explored within the framework of metal-free ATRP. Further phases of research encompass the functionalization of reactive groups on the CQD surface, elucidating the altered structure, and a comprehensive analysis of the fluorescence characteristics of modified carbon quantum dots. Moreover, there are plans to synthesize polymers featuring a branched architecture, with integrated CQD cores. This overarching refinement aims to formulate an economical pathway for fabricating functional agents intended for drug delivery. Simultaneously, it seeks to develop promising materials with potential applicability in cell imaging for cancer therapy.
The successful realization of this project will yield insights into the mechanisms underlying photocatalysis involving CQDs within ATRP contexts, both with and without metal catalyst involvement. This endeavor will result in a diverse collection of functional polymeric materials, enhancing or bestowing new attributes upon CQDs.
Project Value: 688 080,00 PLN
For more information about the Program visit:
Aktualności Chmielarz Research Group
Department of Physical Chemistry News
Twitter - Chmielarz Research Group @Chmielarz_Group
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Kolo.Naukowe.IPSUM
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crg_ipsum/
