Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Giulia Stewart, Senior Aria Jafari, Senior Sahil Ghate, Masters Dominic Sandell, Sophomore
Lead Presenter's Name
Giulia Stewart
Faculty Mentor Name
Foram Madiyar
Abstract
Melanin, a naturally occurring organic dark pigment, has become the focus of extensive studies within the fields of biology, physiology, and now, nanomaterials. Naturally produced in the skin tissues of most mammals, it was found that melanin plays a significant role in protecting cellular DNA from radiation damage by absorbing UV radiation. This project’s objective was to synthesize bio-inspired melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) and optimize the radiation-blocking properties of natural melanin. Overall, the project had three phases: synthesis of melanin nanoparticles, electrospray of thin films, and radiation-blocking testing. Firstly, an MNP solution was synthesized by spontaneous oxidation of dopamine hydrochloride in sodium hydroxide. After comparing the efficiency of different-sized nanoparticles, the synthesis method was optimized for 1:2 MNPs. The solutions were characterized using FTIR, UV-Spectroscopy, EDS, and SEM. Secondly, the MNPs were conjugated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and electrosprayed onto glass slides to produce thin films. Finally, UV spectroscopy and optical power meter tests were conducted on these thin films to quantify the percentage of UV radiation that is absorbed and thus blocked, by the thin film of PVA-MNPs. By optimizing the radiation-blocking properties of melanin, MNPs could be used to shield from larger doses and different types of radiation, whether they’re experienced on Earth or beyond its atmosphere. Having both Earth and space-oriented applications, MNPs and other bio-inspired nanoparticles are tools with great untapped potential that require consideration for the advancement of space exploration.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Yes, Spark Grant
Investigation of Melanin Nanoparticles for Radiation-blocking and Antioxidant properties
Melanin, a naturally occurring organic dark pigment, has become the focus of extensive studies within the fields of biology, physiology, and now, nanomaterials. Naturally produced in the skin tissues of most mammals, it was found that melanin plays a significant role in protecting cellular DNA from radiation damage by absorbing UV radiation. This project’s objective was to synthesize bio-inspired melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) and optimize the radiation-blocking properties of natural melanin. Overall, the project had three phases: synthesis of melanin nanoparticles, electrospray of thin films, and radiation-blocking testing. Firstly, an MNP solution was synthesized by spontaneous oxidation of dopamine hydrochloride in sodium hydroxide. After comparing the efficiency of different-sized nanoparticles, the synthesis method was optimized for 1:2 MNPs. The solutions were characterized using FTIR, UV-Spectroscopy, EDS, and SEM. Secondly, the MNPs were conjugated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and electrosprayed onto glass slides to produce thin films. Finally, UV spectroscopy and optical power meter tests were conducted on these thin films to quantify the percentage of UV radiation that is absorbed and thus blocked, by the thin film of PVA-MNPs. By optimizing the radiation-blocking properties of melanin, MNPs could be used to shield from larger doses and different types of radiation, whether they’re experienced on Earth or beyond its atmosphere. Having both Earth and space-oriented applications, MNPs and other bio-inspired nanoparticles are tools with great untapped potential that require consideration for the advancement of space exploration.