Chemistry and Chemical Biology ETDs

Suhyun Yoon

Publication Date

7-1-2016

Abstract

Four new applications of oligo-phenylene ethynylene (OPE) and poly-PE (PPE) compounds for detection and destruction of biological and chemical threats have been investigated. Mixed surfaces composed of PPEs and a thermoswitchable polymer were created, and were shown to be able to capture, kill, and reversibly release pathogenic bacteria. In order to develop fluorescent sensors for CW agents, the spectral changes of OPEs with surfactants and malathion (a simulant for nerve agents) were measured. Formation of OPE-dimers in the presence of surfactants can cause fluorescence enhancement (turn-on) or quenching (turn-off). Among six positive and negative OPEs, only OPEs with ethyl ester (COOEt) functional groups show fluorescence enhancement in the presence of surfactants, and quenching in the presence of malathion. In order to improve the lower detection limit (which is about nM) and specificity, a new OPE molecule with oximate (R-N=O-) functional groups is being synthesized and tested. Finally, PE compounds were investigated as potential dyes for two photon microscopy, and were found to be cell-penetrant, to have a good two-photon excitation cross-section, and hence to be useful as a nucleic acid stain for mammalian cells.

Project Sponsors

This work was supported by Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Language

English

Keywords

Biocidal film, sensors for chemical warfare agent detection, fluorescence, two-photon microscopy

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Chemistry

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Whitten, David

Second Committee Member

Ista, Linnea

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