Identifier

etd-11092009-121503

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Chemistry

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles such as poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles have been extensively studied as drug delivery systems for a variety of pharmaceutical agents. Nanoparticle surface properties are primarily determined by the emulsifiers used in the synthesis process, which have a significant impact on nanoparticle physico-chemical and biological properties. Anionic amino acid – based molecular micelles were used in the emulsification process to prepare monodisperse, small (below 100 nm) PLGA nanoparticles with a well defined spherical shape. Such molecular micelle – modified nanoparticles were used as drug carriers for delivery of antioxidants. Thymoquinone is a natural antioxidant, and an emerging anticancer drug found in Nigella sativa black seed oil. Thymoquinone – loaded nanoparticles demonstrated improved properties when compared with the free drug, suggesting that such nanoparticle systems are promising candidates for antioxidant delivery and tumor growth inhibition. Furthermore, polymeric nanoparticles were used as sensors for detection of hydroxyl radicals. Ratiometric fluorescent molecular micelle – modified PLGA nanoparticles were designed using a reporting dye (coumarin – functionalized molecular micelle) present on their surface as well as a reference dye (neutral red) encapsulated into the polymeric matrix. The nanoparticles were able to detect hydroxyl radicals in a time and concentration dependent manner, and presented high selectivity for hydroxyl radicals as compared with other reactive oxygen species. In addition, the ratiometric fluorescent nanosensors were able to detect hydroxyl radicals in viable cells exposed to oxidative stress, allowing their potential use in the study of other living systems.

Date

2009

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Warner, Isiah M.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.3299

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