Virus-Nanotube Interaction

The goal of this project is to study interfacial interaction of pathogenic entities, e.g., influenza Aviruseswith carbon nanotubes on the premise of invoking immune response in realistic exposure scenario. Toll-like receptors are known to mediate biological responses in presence of particulate entities. However, their responses in simultaneous presence of biological and nano-scale engineered particulates are not studied to-date. This collaboration will lay the groundwork for elucidating the role of TLRs in activating pathways, responsible for initial response to pathogens in presence of emergence contaminants.

Read more

Mechanistic Nano-Tox

The goal of this project is to develop a predictive methodology for aggregation behavior of metallic nanomaterials using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. A suit of metallic and carbonaceous nanomaterials in the biological exposure conditions will be used to experimentally determine aggregation kinetics and structural evolution and a diffusion-based mathematical model will be developed to predict such behavior a priori.
Read more

Chiral SWNTs

The goal of this research proposal is to systematically investigate the effect of variation in electronic structure on fate, transport, and biological fate/effects of chiral carbon nanotubes in the aquatic environment. Knowledge to support this goal will be gathered through aggregation, deposition, and biological uptake/toxicity testing of well-characterized, chirally separated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs).

Read more

Nano Education

This proposal is designed to offer an opportunity to teach the principles and application of nanotechnology through a real-world problem of global significance: water decontamination. Enquiry based in-class experience will be enhanced through a field visit to Bangladesh (BUET and ICDDRB) where the students will obtain real life exposure to engineering problems in a developing country setting.

Read more

Peapods

The goal of this project is to generate fundamental knowledge of fullerene-CNT hybrid aggregation and deposition behavior in the environment. This project will study aggregation and deposition kinetics and aggregate structure properties of higher order fullerenes and peapods.

Read more

SWNT Membranes

This project would incorporate single-walled carbon nanotubes in ultrafiltration (UF)/ microfiltration (MF) membranes to overcome the possible exacerbation of fouling readily shown in conventional adsorbent- UF/MF processes; optimization of various pretreatment system designs including PACUF/ MF may reduce the energy demands and membrane fouling in seawater reverse osmosis desalination.

Read more