The Effects of Photo-Activated Graphene Quantum Dots on Bacterial Deactivation
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Minor
None
Institution
Western Kentucky University
KY House District #
33
KY Senate District #
33
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Ali Er, PhD
Department
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
The Effects of Photo-Activated Graphene Quantum Dots on Bacterial Deactivation
Lauren Cooper1, Khomidkhodzha Kholikov2, Saidjafarzoda Ilhom2, Zachary Thomas2, Skyler Smith3, Ali Er2
1Department of Engineering, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
2Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
3Biology Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
With the growing levels of anti-bacterial resistant pathogens spreading in society, new forms of treatments and therapies are needed to effectively deactivate bacteria. A biocompatible photodynamic therapy agent that generates a high amount of singlet oxygen with high water dispersibility and high levels of luminescence is desirable to increase effectiveness of the therapies. In this work, a graphene-based biomaterial was produced as a less-toxic alternative to other photosensitizing agents. Methylene blue was used as a photosensitizer for comparison to evaluate the total effectiveness of the graphene in bacterial elimination. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized by irradiating benzene and nickel oxide mixture using nanosecond laser pulses. The productivity of GQDs was investigated by changing laser power density and wavelength with respect to time. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopes, and scanning electron microscopes were used for characterization of GQDs. Results show that GQDs with size less than 10 nm with excellent photoluminescence property were obtained. Initial results of deactivation of E. coli with methylene blue show 90% efficiency. The results of these studies can potentially be used to develop therapies for the eradication of pathogens in open wounds, burns, or skin cancers.
The Effects of Photo-Activated Graphene Quantum Dots on Bacterial Deactivation
The Effects of Photo-Activated Graphene Quantum Dots on Bacterial Deactivation
Lauren Cooper1, Khomidkhodzha Kholikov2, Saidjafarzoda Ilhom2, Zachary Thomas2, Skyler Smith3, Ali Er2
1Department of Engineering, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
2Department of Physics and Astronomy, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
3Biology Department, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States
With the growing levels of anti-bacterial resistant pathogens spreading in society, new forms of treatments and therapies are needed to effectively deactivate bacteria. A biocompatible photodynamic therapy agent that generates a high amount of singlet oxygen with high water dispersibility and high levels of luminescence is desirable to increase effectiveness of the therapies. In this work, a graphene-based biomaterial was produced as a less-toxic alternative to other photosensitizing agents. Methylene blue was used as a photosensitizer for comparison to evaluate the total effectiveness of the graphene in bacterial elimination. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized by irradiating benzene and nickel oxide mixture using nanosecond laser pulses. The productivity of GQDs was investigated by changing laser power density and wavelength with respect to time. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopes, and scanning electron microscopes were used for characterization of GQDs. Results show that GQDs with size less than 10 nm with excellent photoluminescence property were obtained. Initial results of deactivation of E. coli with methylene blue show 90% efficiency. The results of these studies can potentially be used to develop therapies for the eradication of pathogens in open wounds, burns, or skin cancers.