Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Giulia Stewart, sophomore Aria Jafari, sophomore Amelia Hartnett, senior Sahil Ghate, senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Giulia Stewart
Faculty Mentor Name
Foram Madiyar
Abstract
Melanin, an organic dark pigment naturally produced in the skin tissues of most mammals, is known to shield cells from radiation damage by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The IGNITE project’s objective is to fabricate synthetic melanin nanoparticles that simulate natural radiation-blocking material. Overall, the project is three-parted: firstly, a melanin nanoparticles solution will be synthesized using chitosan and polyethylene glycol solutions; secondly, the nanoparticles will be electro-sprayed onto glass slides in order to produce a wide range of thin films with varying degrees of film thickness; finally, radiation blocking tests will be conducted to evaluate the thickness range in which the films are able to absorb radiation. Within the aerospace and manufacturing industries, these thin films of melanin nanoparticles could satisfy the need for a novel organic radiation-blocking material in order to better protect workers. Specific applications are the coating of high-altitude aircraft and spacecraft’s external surfaces, as well as spacesuits and helmets. Furthermore, it may provide a valid organic and allergen-free replacement for the inorganic compounds found in most commercial sunscreens.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Ignite Grant
Fifty Shades of Black: Analysis of Thin Film of Electro-sprayed Anti-radiation Coating of Melanin Nanoparticles
Melanin, an organic dark pigment naturally produced in the skin tissues of most mammals, is known to shield cells from radiation damage by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The IGNITE project’s objective is to fabricate synthetic melanin nanoparticles that simulate natural radiation-blocking material. Overall, the project is three-parted: firstly, a melanin nanoparticles solution will be synthesized using chitosan and polyethylene glycol solutions; secondly, the nanoparticles will be electro-sprayed onto glass slides in order to produce a wide range of thin films with varying degrees of film thickness; finally, radiation blocking tests will be conducted to evaluate the thickness range in which the films are able to absorb radiation. Within the aerospace and manufacturing industries, these thin films of melanin nanoparticles could satisfy the need for a novel organic radiation-blocking material in order to better protect workers. Specific applications are the coating of high-altitude aircraft and spacecraft’s external surfaces, as well as spacesuits and helmets. Furthermore, it may provide a valid organic and allergen-free replacement for the inorganic compounds found in most commercial sunscreens.