Complex coacervates loaded with nano enzymes as microreactor

• Main Author: Ng, Si Yi
• Other Authors: Yu Jing
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/175423
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Complex coacervates are a unique type of polyelectrolyte complex in the field of colloid chemistry, derived from liquid-liquid phase separation that are rich in polymeric compounds. They are formed when two oppositely charged macromolecules such as polyelectrolytes, proteins or synthetic polymers come into contact and react, releasing counter ions to maintain neutrality electrostatically. Complex coacervates are primarily used in applications such as encapsulation, textiles, food and biomedical applications. Complex coacervates are predominantly driven by electrostatic forces and entropic changes and are affected by numerous parameters such as pH, mixing ratio and salt concentration. In this study, we aim to derive the optimum conditions for the complex coacervates of the Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC; IUPAC name, is a 1-hexadecylpyridinium chloride) and Carboxymethyl-dextran sodium salt (Dextran sodium salt, DSS), focusing on the optimum pH, mixing ratio and salt concentration. Turbidity metrics were employed to investigate these parameters and the experiments led to a result of a mixing ratio of 6:4 for DSS and CPC respectively, a pH of 11.2 and a salt concentration(NaCl) of 0.25mol. Nanoparticles are particles with sizes ranging from 10-1000 nanometres and they have been intensively researched on due to their unique physical and chemical properties with exceptional application in drug delivery. These nanoparticles are able to penetrate tissues and target specific cells due to their small size in nature and reduce potential side effects, improving the overall treatment efficacy. One key characteristic of the CeO2 nanoparticles of interest is its role as a nanozyme. Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzymatic mimicry and catalytic properties. Similar to natural enzymes, these nanozymes have the ability to catalyse various biochemical reactions with high efficiency and specificity. One key advantage that these nanozymes have over enzymes is its stability where they are less prone to denaturation or degradation as compared to natural enzymes. Furthermore, the properties of nanozymes are controllable and can be fine-tuned for optimal efficiency alongside its versatility for specific applications. Nanozymes have been popular in many fields such as biomedicine, environmental mediation and industrially. In this study, we will determine the function of CeO2 NPs and their effects on complex coacervates.