UROP Project

Enzyme-polymer-baed platforms: combinatorial approaches for self-sustainable decontamination systems

The challenge to achieve appropriate disinfection without forming harmful byproducts by conventional chemical disinfectants calls for new technologies to be implemented to ensure efficient decontamination. Several nanomaterials (e.g. TiO2, ZnO etc.) have demonstrated strong decontamination properties through mechanisms relying on photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species that were shown to damage cell components and viruses. However, the use of such nanomaterials could pose environmental and logistical burden and further, limit large-scale implementation in user-controlled decontamination systems because of their costly synthesis and purification. As such, recognition of immediate toxicity of biological agents is a critical need when detection and remediation is considered.

Task

The student will develop novel „self-sustainable“ composites capable of decontaminating biological agents without posing risks to personnel. The self-sustainable composite is based on incorporation of enzyme-polymer-based conjugates into commercial latex-based paint. The student will be responsible for performing experiments investigating and characterizing the performance of "self-sustainable composites" in terms of their effectiveness as well as their material properties.

Requirements

- Basic experience in research - Major in chemical engineering, biology, biomedical engineering

Full Address

West Virginia University
PO Box 6102
26506-6102 Morgantown, WV
USA