Functional Materials

🔬 Research Problem

Bacterial cellulose (BC) film was identified as a promising material for water filtration.
However, its native surface lacked the chemical functionality needed to selectively filter out cations, organic nutrients, and bacteria.
A key challenge was to design a surface modification that would be selective, efficient, antibacterial, and resistant to biofouling.

✅ Proposed Solution

A custom molecule was synthesized to chemically functionalize the BC surface.
Silane compounds were selectively modified to introduce tailored functional groups.
These groups enabled targeted pollutant filtration, while also providing antibacterial properties and biofouling resistance, enhancing the film’s long-term performance in water purification.

🔬 Research Problem

Bacterial cellulose composites are promising for industrial and environmental applications, but their use as free-standing water filtration membranes is limited.
Key challenges include low compressive strength, membrane fouling, and poor contaminant selectivity.
A solution was needed to enhance mechanical integrity and filtration performance under pressure-driven conditions.

✅ Proposed Solution

Graphene oxide was dispersed in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-400) and incorporated into the bacterial cellulose matrix via in-situ synthesis.
Optimal membrane properties were achieved at a graphene oxide loading of 2 mg/mL, forming a percolated network within the cellulose structure.
The hydrogen-bonded integration of graphene oxide nanosheets led to:
- Nearly 2× higher water flux (380 L m⁻² h⁻¹)
- Molecular weight cut-off between 100–200 kDa
- 6× increase in wet compression strength compared to pristine bacterial cellulose
- >95% flux recovery after exposure to organic foulants and bacterial-rich feed
- >95% rejection of synthetic natural organic matter and bacterial contaminants

🔬 Research Problem

Nanofibrous membranes are highly effective for filtration due to their ability to handle high fluid flow rates and remove micro- and nano-sized pollutants.
However, biofouling remains a major challenge, leading to:
- Reduced permeate flux
- Increased energy costs
- Shortened membrane lifespan
A solution was needed to enhance antibacterial and anti-biofouling performance without compromising filtration efficiency.

✅ Proposed Solution

Bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were functionalized via simple impregnation with a custom-tailored silane containing picolinic acid, named TCPA.
Silver nanoparticle-treated BC membranes were used as controls for comparison.
Key outcomes of TCPA-functionalized BC membranes:
- Maintained or enhanced membrane permeation due to increased hydrophilicity
- Significantly reduced E. coli adhesion in bacterial challenge tests
- Demonstrated strong anti-biofouling potential under high microbial load conditions
- Outperformed control membranes in filtration, antibacterial, and anti-biofouling properties
This study highlights the potential of TCPA-functionalized nanofibrous membranes as advanced filters for water treatment systems, combining intrinsic antibacterial and anti-biofouling advantages.

🔬 Research Problem

In SERS nanotagging applications, anchoring xanthene-based chemosensing dyes onto silver (Ag) nanoparticles posed a challenge.
Direct attachment risked altering the dye’s intrinsic sensing properties due to uncontrolled binding or structural distortion.
A precise and stable linkage was needed to ensure targeted positioning without compromising dye functionality.

✅ Proposed Solution

A suitable crosslinker was carefully selected to bridge the dye molecule and Ag nanoparticles.
This crosslinker enabled controlled anchoring of the dye at specific sites on the nanoparticle surface.
The approach preserved the basic chemical and optical properties of the dye, ensuring effective SERS performance and reliable chemosensing.

🔬 Research Problem

The demand for versatile materials that can address multiple environmental and technological challenges is growing.
Traditional hybrid materials often lack multifunctionality, regenerability, and cross-domain adaptability.
A solution was needed to create a universal molecular platform capable of performing across disciplines—from environmental remediation to advanced packaging.

✅ Proposed Solution

Synthesized POSS-3N, a polyamine-functionalized silsesquioxane via a catalyst-free, optimized route with reduced synthesis time and improved yield.
Characterization confirmed a centimeric molecular architecture—featuring uniformly spaced reactive amine sites that enable multivalent interactions.
This unique structure endowed POSS-3N with multitasking capabilities, making it a universal molecule adaptable to diverse applications:

Low-pressure CO₂ capture
Selective sorption of heavy metals (Cu²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Cd²⁺)
Integration into gelatin-based films for supporting green-synthesized silver nanoparticles

Statistical and thermodynamic modeling reinforced its mechanistic robustness and cross-functional performance.
The molecule’s centimeric qualities position it as a scalable, regenerable, and multifunctional platform for environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications.