1. Near-Infrared Photothermal Evaluation of Zn-Co-Cr Ferrite Nanoparticles for Self- Regulating Hyperthermia
Overview
This project evaluates Zn-Co-Cr ferrite nanoparticles (ZnCoCr-FNP), originally developed formagnetic hyperthermia, under near-infrared (NIR) laser excitation. It investigates their ability to exhibit self-regulating temperature behavior during photothermal heating.
Objectives:
- Synthesize Zn-Co-Cr ferrite nanoparticles via co-precipitation and annealing
- Characterize structural and optical properties (XRD, FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis-NIR)
- Evaluate photothermal heating, self-regulation, and conversion efficiency under 810 nm irradiation
Methodology:
Nanoparticles are synthesized, characterized, and irradiated with an 810 nm NIR laser. Temperature evolution is monitored using thermocouples and infrared imaging. Performance is tested in both aqueous media and agarose gel phantoms.
Applications / Impact:
Demonstrates a safer photothermal therapy platform by combining NIR precision with intrinsic
temperature control, reducing the risk of damage to healthy tissue.
2. Green Seed-Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanorods for Photothermal Therapy
Overview
This project develops a sustainable synthesis route for gold nanorods (AuNRs) using glucose as a green reducing agent, combining the precision of seed-mediated growth with eco-friendly chemistry.
Objectives:
- Synthesize AuNRs using green seed-mediated and seedless approaches
- Characterize morphology and optical properties (TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD)
- Evaluate photothermal efficiency and specific absorption rate (SAR)
Methodology:
Gold seeds are synthesized and grown into nanorods using glucose as the reducing agent.
Photothermal performance is assessed under 810 nm laser irradiation to check conversion
efficiency under controlled conditions.
Applications / Impact:
Provides a biocompatible and cost-effective route to high-quality AuNRs for photothermal
therapy and potential biosensing applications.
3. Photothermal Evaluation of Co-Doped Zn-Mn Ferrite Nanoparticles for Self-Regulating Hyperthermia
Overview
This project explores Co-doped Zn-Mn ferrite nanoparticles as a new class of materials for NIR-activated self-regulating hyperthermia, extending their known magnetic-field-based behavior to optical activation.
Objectives:
- Synthesize Co-doped Zn-Mn ferrite nanoparticles
- Characterize structural and optical properties
- Evaluate NIR-induced heating and self-regulation behavior
- Determine photothermal efficiency and SAR
Methodology:
Nanoparticles are synthesized via co-precipitation and tested under 810 nm laser irradiation in both aqueous and agarose environments, with real-time temperature monitoring.
Applications / Impact:
Enables light-controlled, self-regulating cancer therapy, offering improved safety and precision
over conventional hyperthermia methods.
4. LSPR-Based Plastic Optical Fiber Biosensor for Buruli Ulcer Detection
Overview
This project develops a portable diagnostic biosensor using gold nanorods integrated with plastic optical fiber (POF) to detect Buruli ulcer biomarkers via localized surface plasmon resonance
(LSPR).
Objectives:
- Functionalize gold nanorods with biomarker-specific receptors
- Integrate nanorods onto a plastic optical fiber platform
- Correlate LSPR wavelength shifts with biomarker concentration
Methodology:
Functionalized nanorods are immobilized on a POF surface. Biomarker binding alters the local refractive index, producing measurable wavelength shifts in transmitted light.
Applications / Impact:
Delivers a rapid, low-cost, point-of-care diagnostic tool for early detection of Buruli ulcer in resource-limited settings.
5. Numerical Simulation and Optimization of LSPR-POF Biosensor
Overview
This computational project supports biosensor development by using COMSOL Multiphysics
simulations to model and optimize sensor performance.
Objectives:
- Develop a numerical model of the LSPR-POF biosensor
- Simulate optical response to biomarker binding
- Optimize design parameters for maximum sensitivity
Methodology:
A virtual sensor model is created to simulate light interaction with gold nanorods. Refractive index
changes are used to mimic biomarker binding, and design variables are optimized.
Applications / Impact:
Accelerates experimental development by enabling in silico optimization, reducing cost and improving sensor performance before fabrication.
Facilities & Equipment
• 3D Bioprinter
• Thermal Imaging Camera
• Desiccator
• Microwave System
• Automatic Voltage Regulator
• RK Coater
• Arduino Uno
• Power Meter
• Zolar Soft Tissue Diode Laser
• Ocean Optics Miniature NIR Spectrometer
General Laboratory Apparatus (beakers, pipettes, Eppendorf tubes, Falcon tubes, retort stands, reagents)