Endotoxin Purification using Cationic Nanoparticles
Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Major
Biochemical Engineering
Research Advisor
Barua, Sutapa
Advisor's Department
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
Funding Source
OURE Program-Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract
Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide found on the membrane of gram-negative bacteria and is extremely toxic to humans. The endotoxin contamination has long been a serious problem in the lakes and rivers of Midwestern United States including Kansas, Missouri and Ohio. The water is difficult to disinfect once endotoxin is present. Although several methods such as filtration, irradiation, distillation and ethylene oxide treatments have been employed to remove endotoxin from contaminated water samples, the reduction efficiency is still low, and remains a challenge. We propose a cheap, reliable and simple method to remove endotoxin from water using cationic polymers that demonstrate high binding efficacies to negatively charged endotoxin via electrostatic interactions facilitating water purification. The intellectual merit of this proposal is the design and synthesis of polymers using an easy, one step and scalable synthesis method, and its efficiency in removing endotoxin.
Biography
Mason Donnell grew up in rural Willard, MO before he made his journey to Missouri S&T. Within his hometown, Mason was actively involved in his high school and community. Being the creator of the school’s first science club and volunteering at the local hospital for three years, his love for science and innovation was pronounced. While looking for the right university, he saw Missouri S&T as a good challenge for his academic abilities and decided to pursue a degree in Biochemical Engineering. Mason’s activity didn’t stop at home, but continued here on campus and in the local community. He has taken leadership roles in organizations such as Society of Women Engineers, Spectrum, and volunteers at Rolla Publics Schools to tutor students. Mason Donnell is excited about the applications of his research, and hopes you enjoy his presentation.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering poster session, First place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
15 Apr 2015, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Endotoxin Purification using Cationic Nanoparticles
Upper Atrium/Hall
Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide found on the membrane of gram-negative bacteria and is extremely toxic to humans. The endotoxin contamination has long been a serious problem in the lakes and rivers of Midwestern United States including Kansas, Missouri and Ohio. The water is difficult to disinfect once endotoxin is present. Although several methods such as filtration, irradiation, distillation and ethylene oxide treatments have been employed to remove endotoxin from contaminated water samples, the reduction efficiency is still low, and remains a challenge. We propose a cheap, reliable and simple method to remove endotoxin from water using cationic polymers that demonstrate high binding efficacies to negatively charged endotoxin via electrostatic interactions facilitating water purification. The intellectual merit of this proposal is the design and synthesis of polymers using an easy, one step and scalable synthesis method, and its efficiency in removing endotoxin.
