Thesis (MSc (Biochemistry))--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to a global lack of access to potable water, a problem particularly affecting people in developing countries and the poor, improvement on existing water purification methods are necessary to provide more cost effective, accessible and efficient methods of water purification. In drinking water systems, biofilms are a potential source of contamination, which can affect the biological stability and hygienic safety of water. In industrial water systems, biofilms can cause corrosion, resistance in flow systems and a decrease in efficiency of membranes. Nanotechnology has been identified as a technology to utilize in water purification problem solving. Alternatives to the use of chemical biocides and antibiotics need to be investigated therefore; the focus of this study was the fabrication and characterization of polymer nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles as biocide and anti-biofouling nanofibers with hydrolytic enzymes immobilized on the surface. The aim of this study was to synthesize and compare poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers and poly (acrylonitrile) (PAN) nanofibers with silver nanoparticles to determine which type of fiber will be the most appropriate for application in water sanitation. The two types of fibers were to be compared based on morphology, silver nanoparticle content, physical distribution of silver nanoparticles, levels of silver leaching from the fibers in water, which could imply toxicity, and most importantly, anti-microbial efficacy. Back scattering electron images revealed that silver nanoparticles in PVA nanofibers were more evenly dispersed than in PAN nanofibers, but that PAN nanofibers had higher silver nanoparticle content. This was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Both PVA and PAN nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles had excellent anti-microbial activity, with PVA nanofibers killing between 91% and 99% of bacteria in a contaminated water sample and PAN nanofibers killed 100%. When investigated by SEM, the biocidal effect of PAN nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles can be observed as morphological changes in the cell walls. Neither PVA nor PAN nanofibers leached silver into water. PVA is a non-toxic and biodegradable synthetic polymer, and PVA-silver nanofibers have excellent anti-microbial activity, making it applicable in water sanitation in an environmental conscious milieu. PAN nanofibers are more conductive to the formation of silver nanoparticles, have higher silver nanoparticle content, allowing the complete sanitation of pathogenically contaminated water samples. PAN nanofibers also have better longevity and strength in water, making it ideal for water filtration and sanitation in higher throughput systems. Furthermore, immobilized enzymes are being investigated as possible alternatives to inefficient conventional methods of controlling and removing biofilms from filtration systems. This study demonstrates the covalent immobilization of two industrial proteases and an amylase enzyme onto polymer nanofibers widely used in filtration membranes. Confirmed by FTIR, these nanofibers were successfully activated by amidination, allowing the covalent immobilization of respectively two serine proteases and an α-amylase onto the fibers. When inspected visually, fibers largely retained their original morphology after activation and enzyme immobilization. Immobilized enzymes were, however visible as aggregated particles on the nanofiber surfaces. The large surface area to volume ratio provided by the nanofibers as immobilization surface, allowed sufficient amounts of enzymes to be immobilized onto the fibers so that all enzymes retained above 80% of the specific activity of the free enzymes. For each of the immobilized enzymes, just below 30% of initial activity was retained after 10 repeated cycles of use. Fibers with immobilized enzymes on their surface did not support the growth of biofilms, as opposed to plain nanofibers, which did support the growth of biofilms. When considering the combined advantages of this effective immobilization process, the robustness of the enzymes used in this study, and their effectiveness against biofilms in their immobilized state, a valuable addition has been made to technology available for the control of biofilm formation on filtration membranes, and could potentially be employed to control biofilm formation in water filtration systems. A combination of anti-microbial and anti-biofouling nanofibers into a single nanofiltration product may prove to be highly applicable in water sanitation systems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van 'n wêreldwye gebrek aan toegang tot drinkbare water, 'n probleem wat veral mense in ontwikkelende lande en armes raak, is dit van belang dat bestaande metodes van watersuiwering verbeter word om voorsiening te maak vir meer koste-effektiewe, toeganklike en doeltreffende metodes van watersuiwering. In drinkwater stelsels is biofilms 'n potensiële bron van besoedeling, wat die biologiese stabiliteit en die higiëniese veiligheid van water beïnvloed. In industriële waterstelsels kan biofilms tot die verwering van pyplyne lei, weerstand in die stroomstelsels veroorsaak en 'n afname in die doeltreffendheid van membrane veroorsaak. Nanotegnologie is geïdentifiseer as 'n tegnologie wat aangewend kan word in watersuiwerings probleemoplossing. Alternatiewe vir die gebruik van chemiese antimikrobiese middels moet dus ondersoek word. Hierdie studie fokus dus op die vervaardiging en karakterisering van polimeer nanovesels met silwer nanopartikels wat ingesluit is as antimikrobiese middel en anti-biofilm vesels met hidrolitiese ensieme geïmmobiliseer op die oppervlak. Die doel van hierdie studie was om poli (viniel alkohol) (PVA) nanovesels en poli (akrielonitriel) (PAN) nanovesels te sintetiseer waarby silwer nanopartikels ingesluit is, en te bepaal watter tipe vesel die mees geskikte sal wees vir die gebruik in water sanitasie. Die twee tipes vesels is met mekaar vergelyk gebaseer op morfologie, silwer nanopartikel inhoud, fisiese verspreiding van silwer nanopartikels, vlakke van silwer uitloging vanuit die vesels in water, wat toksisiteit tot gevolg kan hê, en die belangrikste, antimikrobiese effektiwiteit. Terug verstrooiing elektron beelde het aan die lig gebring dat die silwer nanopartikels in PVA nanovesels meer eweredig versprei was as in PAN nanovesels, maar dat PAN nanovesels 'n hoër silwer nanopartikel inhoud gehad het. Dit is bevestig deur “energy dispersive X-ray” (EDX) analise. Beide PVA en PAN nanovesels met silwer nanopartikels het uitstekende antimikrobiese aktiwiteit getoon, met PVA vesels wat tussen 91% en 99% bakterieë in besoedelde water monsters kon doodmaak en PAN vesels wat 100% bakterieë kon uitwis. Wanneer vesels ondersoek is met ʼn skandeer elektronmikroskoop (SEM), kon die antimikrobiese effek van PAN vesels met silwer nanopartikels as morfologiese veranderinge in die selwande waargeneem word. Nie PVA of PAN nanovesels loog silwer uit in water nie. PVA is 'n nie-toksiese en bioafbreekbare sintetiese polimeer, en PVA-silwer nanovesels het uitstekende antimikrobiese aktiwiteit, wat dit van toepassing maak op water sanitasie in ʼn omgewings bewuste milieu. PAN vesels is meer gunstig tot die vorming van silwer nanopartikels, en het 'n hoër silwer nanopartikel inhoud, dus word patogeen besoedelde water volledig gesteriliseer. PAN vesels het ook 'n beter langslewendheid en weerstandige sterkte in water, wat dit ideaal vir water filtrasie en sanitasie in hoër deursettings stelsels maak. Geïmmobiliseerde ensieme word ook ondersoek as moontlike alternatiewe tot ondoeltreffende konvensionele metodes van beheer en die verwydering van biofilms uit water stelsels. Hierdie studie toon die kovalente immobilisasie van twee industriële proteases en 'n amilase ensiem op polimeer vesels wat gebruik word in filtrasie membrane. Bevestig deur FTIR, is PAN vesels suksesvol geaktiveer deur amidinasie, sodat die kovalente immobilisasie van onderskeidelik twee serien proteases en 'n α-amilase op die vesels moontlik is. Met visuele ondersoek kan gesien word die vesels behou grootliks hul oorspronklike morfologie na aktivering en ensiem immobilisasie. Geïmmobiliseerde ensieme is egter sigbaar as saamgevoegde deeltjies op die nanovesel oppervlaktes. Die groot oppervlakarea: volume-ratio van die vesels wat dien as immobilisasie oppervlak, laat toe dat voldoende hoeveelhede van ensieme geïmmobiliseer word sodat alle ensieme meer as 80% van die spesifieke aktiwiteit van die vrye ensieme behou. Vir elk van die geïmmobiliseer ensieme, is net minder as 30% van die aanvanklike aktiwiteit behou na 10 siklusse van hergebruik. Vesels met geïmmobiliseerde ensieme op hul oppervlaktes het nie die groei van biofilms ondersteun nie, in teenstelling met gewone vesels, sonder ensieme, wat die groei van biofilms ondersteun. As die gesamentlike voordele van hierdie doeltreffende immobilisasie proses, die robuustheid van die ensieme en hulle doeltreffendheid teen biofilms in hul geïmmobiliseerde toestand in ag geneem word, is ʼn waardevolle toevoeging gemaak tot tegnologie wat beskikbaar is vir die beheer van biofilm vorming op filtrasie membrane, en dit kan potensieel gebruik word om biofilm vorming filter stelsels te beheer. Die kombinasie van anti-mikrobiese en anti-biofilm vesels in ʼn enkele nanofiltrasie produk moet nagestreef word, omdat dit hoogs van toepassing sal wees in water sterilisasie stelsels.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Needle-electrospinning is an uncomplicated and highly versatile nanofiber (fiber diameter of 50 to 500 nm) production technique. Nevertheless the process can only produce 0.01 to 1.0 g/h/m2 of nanofibers, unpractical for large-scale productions. Bubble-electrospinning, in the presence of surfactants, is a novel nanofiber mass-production technique developed at Stellenbosch University.[1] The technique is similar to needle-electrospinning only that the surface area of a bubble surpasses that of a solution droplet, making it possible for multiple jets to form on the bubble surface at high field strengths. Thus far little research has been done on the influence of solution properties on the bubble-electrospinning technique. During electrospinning the solution experiences three competing forces, namely, surface tension (contracting force), charge repulsion (expanding force), and viscosity (resistance to flow). The first aim of this study was to obtain better understanding on the influence of three significant solution properties (viscosity, conductivity and surface tension) on bubble-electrospinning in terms of bubble lifetime, bubble size, average number of jets and the resultant fibers. The solution properties were varied using a range of polymer and surfactant concentrations. A second aim was to obtain better understanding on the comparison of the bubble-electrospinning process between two polymer solutions, namely Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) solutions containing sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) surfactant, and Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions containing silicone surfactant. Results indicated that the solution viscosity and conductivity increased with increasing polymer concentrations for both polymer solutions. In addition, both the solution surface tensions were not influenced by polymer concentration. With regards to bubble-electrospinning of PVOH solutions, results indicated that the average number of jets per bubble was influenced by the polymer concentration. Regarding PAN solutions, bubble lifetime and the average number of jets was influenced by polymer concentration. Results indicated that the solution viscosity increased and surface tension decreased with increasing surfactant concentration for both polymer solutions. PVOH solution conductivity increased whilst PAN solution conductivity decreased with increasing surfactant concentrations. With regards to bubble-electrospinning of PVOH solutions, the bubble lifetime and bubble size was significantly influenced by the SLES concentration. Regarding PAN solutions, the silicone surfactant concentration had no significant effect on the bubble-electrospinning process. Overall, PVOH fiber diameters decreased with increasing surfactant concentration. There was no common trend between the bubble-electrospinning of PVOH and PAN solutions in relation to their solution properties. It was concluded that solution viscosity, conductivity and surface tension are not the only significant contributing parameters to the bubble-electrospinning process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die naald-elektrospinproses is 'n eenvoudige, hoogsaanpasbare tegniek wat gebruik word vir die maak van nanovesels. Nanovesels het tipies 'n deursnee van 50nm tot 500nm. Ongelukkig is dit onprakties vir grootskaalse produksie omdat die uitset daarvan beperk is tot 0.01 tot 1.0 g/h/m2. Die borrel-elektrospinproses, waar elektrospinstrale gespin word vanaf die oppervlak van borrels op die oppervlak van die spinoplossing en waar die borrels gestabiliseer is m.b.v. sepe, is 'n nuwe tegniek wat ontwikkel is by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. [1]. Die tegniek is soortgelyk aan die naald-elektrospinproses in dié sin dat die elektrospinstraal vorm vanaf 'n gelaaide halfsfeervormige oppervlak in die spinoplossing, maar die aansienlik groter oppervlakarea van die borrel in die borrel-elektrospinproses maak dit moontlik om verskeie elektrospinstrale gelyktydig op die oppervlak van die borrel te onderhou. Dit lei tot baie hoër doeltreffendheid in die saamgroeppering van die strale en gevolglik tot hoër nanoveseluitsette. Tot dusver is daar weinig navorsing aangaande die invloed van oplossingseienskappe op die borrel- elektrospintegniek gedoen. Tydens die elektrospinproses ervaar die oplossing drie kompeterende kragte, naamlik: oppervlakspanning (sametrekkende krag), elektrostatiese afstoting (afstotende krag) en viskositeit (vertragende effek op vloei van die oplossing). Die hoofdoelwit van hierdie navorsing was om 'n beter begrip te kry van die invloed van drie gemete oplossingswaardes, d.w.s. viskositeit, elektriese geleidingsvermoë en oppervlakspanning op die borrel-elektrospinproses. Die impak van hierde waardes is spesifiek geëvalueer in terme van borrellewensduur, borrelgrootte, gemiddelde hoeveelheid elektrospinstrale per borrel en die morfologie van die vesels wat in die proses gevorm is. Die tweede doelwit van die studie was om 'n vergelyking te tref tussen die mees optimale oplossingswaardes in die borrel-elektrospinproses van twee baie uiteenlopende polimeerspinoplossings, naamlik polivinielalkohol (PVOH), met natrium dodesieletersulfaat (SLES) as die borrelstabiliserende seep en poliakrilonitriel (PAN) oplossing, met 'n silikoonseep as die borrelstabiliserende seep. Resultate het getoon dat die viskositeit en elektriese geleidingsvermoë toeneem met toename in polimeerkonsentrasie vir beide PVOH- en PAN-oplossings. Verder is oppervlakspanning in beide gevalle nie beduidend beïnvloed deur die polimeerkonsentrasie nie. In die geval van die borrel-elektrospin van die PVOH-oplossings het resultate daarop gedui dat die gemiddelde aantal elektrospinstrale per borrel moontlik beïnvloed kon word deur die polimeerkonsentrasie. In die geval van borrel-elektrospin van PAN-oplossing is bevind dat polimeerkonsentrasie die borrelleeftyd en die gemiddelde aantal elektrospinstrale per borrel beïnvloed. Resultate het ook getoon dat die viskositeit vermeerder en die oppervlakspanning afneem met toename in die konsentrasie van die sepe in beide die polimeeroplossings. Die PVOH-oplossing se elektriese geleidingsvermoë het vermeerder terwyl dit verminder in die geval van die PAN-oplossings met 'n toename in die seepkonsentrasie. Tydens borrel-elektrospin van die PVOH-oplossings is beide borrelleeftyd en borrelgrootte beduidend beïnvloed deur die SLES konsentrasie. By die borrel-elektrospin van PAN-oplossings het die silikoonseepkonsentrasie nie 'n beduidende invloed gehad op die borrelleeftyd en borrelgrootte nie. Oor die algemeen het die gemiddelde PVOH veseldeursnee afgeneem met toename in seepkonsentrasie. Geen algemene tendens kon waargeneem word tussen die optimale oplossingswaardes vir borrel-elektrospin van die PVOH- en die PAN-oplossings onderskeidelik nie. Die gevolgtrekking is dat die viskositeit, elektriese geleidingsvermoë en oppervlakspanning nie die enigste beduidende waardes is wat bepaal of die borrel-elektrospinproses sal werk vir 'n spesifieke polimeeroplossing nie.

Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Two series of poly(methyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(dimethylsiloxane) copolymers were synthesized via conventional free radical copolymerization of methylmethacrylate and monomethacryloxypropyl terminated PDMS macromonomers of different lengths. It is shown how these copolymers can be electrospun to produce the copolymer nanofibers. The affects of copolymer compositions, the electrospinning tip-to-collector (TCD) distance and the concentration of the polymer solution on the fiber morphology are discussed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to establish the surface topography as well as the fiber morphology of the electrospun copolymer nanofibers. It is also shown that these nanofibers produce superhydrophobic surfaces where the preferential surface segregation of the PDMS component is combined with the roughness of the nanofiber surface. It is shown that after exposure of these nanofiber surfaces to corona discharge, the initial superhydrophobic surfaces become easily wettable. The samples show the phenomena of hydrophobicity recovery after corona exposure. The rate and extent of this recovery depends on the PDMS content of the nanofibers as well as the time of corona treatment. The hybrid copolymer nanofibers were evaluated as potential reinforcing fillers for cross linked polydimethylsiloxane compounds. The fibers show a remarkably good distribution in the PDMS matrix and show a dramatic improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial fibers are very useful in various fields such as air and water purification, wound dressings and protective bandages, where sterile environments are essential. The nonwoven nanofiber mats or membranes are able to filter out microorganisms and potentially kill several threatening pathogenic bacteria. In this thesis, a variety of styrene-maleimide copolymer derivatives were prepared based on the modification of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride with various primary amine compounds. All prepared copolymer derivatives were electrospun to nanofiber mats using the needle electrospinning technique. For the characterization, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal properties of the electrospun fiber mats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to observe fiber dimensions and morphology. The antibacterial activity of electrospun fiber mats was evaluated against different bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative). The evaluation study utilized different tools to test for antibacterial activity and mode of cell death, including bioluminescent imaging, fluorescence imaging and the viable cell counting method. Excellent antimicrobial activity was obtained against the different strains especially against Staphylococcus aureus. Fiber mats containing tertiary amino groups, phenol or quaternary ammonium groups had the strongest antimicrobial properties. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Antimikrobiese vesels is baie nuttig in verskeie toepassingsgebiede, soos lug- en watersuiwering, wondbedekkings en beskermende verbande, waar ‘n steriele omgewing noodsaaklik is. Die ongeweefde nanovesel matte of membrane is in staat om mikroorganismes te verwyder deur filtrasie, maar kan ook verskeie patogeniese bakterieë doodmaak. In hierdie proefskrif is ‘n verskeidenheid stireen-maleimied kopolimeer afgeleides gesintetiseer, gebaseer op die modifikasie van poli(stireen-ko-maleïne anhidried) met verskeie primêre amien verbindings. Nanovesel matte van al die gesintetiseerde kopolimeer afgeleides is gemaak deur gebruik te maak van die naald-elektrospin tegniek. Die termiese eienskappe van hierdie nanovesel matte is bestudeer deur gebruik te maak van differensiële skandeer kalorimetrie (DSK) en termogravitasie analiese (TGA) as karakteriseringsmetodes. Die vesel dimensies en morfologie is bestudeer deur skandeer elektronmikroskopie as karakteriseringsmetode te gebruik. Die antibakteriële aktiwiteit van die gespinde vesel matte is geëvalueer teen verskillende bakterieë, naamlik Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positief), Escherichia coli en Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negatief). Die evalueringstudie het verskillende instrumente gebruik om vir antibakteriële aktiwiteit en meganisme van seldood te toets, insluitend bioluminiserings beelding, fluoressensie beelding en die lewensvatbare sel tellingsmetode. Uitstekende antimikrobiese aktiwiteit is verkry teen die verskillende rasse, veral teen Staphylococcus aureus. Vesel matte met tersiêre aminogroepe, fenol of kwaternêre ammoniumgroepe het die sterkste antimikrobiese eienskappe gehad.

Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Polyacrylonitrile, (PAN), polymers are of interest due to their many unique characteristics in comparison to most other fibre forming polymers. The focus of this study was the effect of electrospinning variables and additives on their unusual thermal properties and internal molecular morphology with the objective of improving the performance of this fibre in industrial application, or at least contributing to the understanding of how the fibre processing variables affect the thermal performance. The process of electrospinning was used to process samples of PAN fibres with additives in order to determine their effect on the molecular orientation and crystallinity of the resultant nano- and micronsized fibres. The effect of additives in the forms of low molecular weight oligomers, blends of conductive polymers and nanoparticles and conductive salts (mainly copper and lithium based) on the molecular structure and thermal properties is reported. In addition the effect of certain electrospinning processing variables such as the PAN polymer grade, the type of solvent, the temperature, the spinning voltage and the spinning distance were evaluated in terms of their effect on the resultant fibre molecular structure. The crystallinity and molecular orientation are quantified using various analytical techniques including: Fourier-Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR); Differential Scanning Colorimetry; (DSC) Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, TGA, Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy; Wide-Angle X-ray Diffractometry, XRD, Small-angle Neutron Scattering; SANS, Solid-state 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; NMR, and Electron-spin Resonance Spectroscopy, ESR. The researcher has ascertained in this study that the orientation of electrospun PAN is comparable to that in commercial wet-spun fibres when the electrospinning field strength is greater than 0,75 kV per cm. The process of electrospinning leads to chemical degradation of the PAN polymer only previously noted by other fibre scientists after heating PAN fibres to more than 280 C. This is due to the high mechanical stress on the high surface area electospun fibres spun into an oxygen rich air atmosphere. The addition of certain salts, particularly lithium chloride and copper nitrate, to the PAN electrospinning dope by the researchers produced fibres with improved thermal stability in comparison to the control PAN samples with no additives. In addition these salts lower the endotherm for the production of carbonized fibres from PAN fibres and will therefore make more structured, stronger, high tenacity carbon fibres. The XRD revealed that through the addition of certain salts to disrupt the dipole interations in PAN, that fibres with a 2D hexagonal crystal structure can be electrospun and have a structure similar to wet spun PAN. It is shown that fibres in a non-aligned electrospun mat have a 3D crystal structure and lower molecular orientation that wet spun fibres. Some industrial applications of electrospinning using PAN fibres are developed and reported. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Polyakrilonitrielpolimere (PAN) is van belang weens die baie unieke eienskappe wat hulle het in vergelyking met die meeste ander vesel-vormende polimere. Die fokus van hierdie studie op die effek van verskeie veranderlikes en byvoegmiddels op hul buitengewone termiese eienskappe en interne molekulêre morfologie, met die doel om die werksverrigting van hierdie vesel in industriële toepassings te verbeter, of ten minste by te dra tot die begrip van hoe die vesel-prosesveranderlikes die termiese werksverrigting beïnvloed. Die elektrospinproses is gebruik om monsters van PAN met bymiddels te prosesseer om vas te stel wat die effek sou wees op die molekulêre oriëntering en kristalliniteit van die gelewerde nano- en mikrongrootte vesels. Verslag word gelewer oor die effek van bymiddels in die vorm van oligomere met „n lae molekulêre gewig, mengsels van geleidende polimere en verskillende nano-partikels en geleidende soute (meestal koper- en litium-gebaseerd). Die effek van sekere veranderlikes in die elektrospinproses, soos die PAN polimeer-graad, die temperatuur, die tipe oplosmiddel, die spin-spanning en spin-afstand, is geëvalueer in terme van hulle effek op die vesels wat gelewer word. Die kristalliniteit en molekulêre oriëntering word gekwantifiseer deur verskeie analitiese tegnieke te gebruik, onder meer: Fourier-Transform Infrarooispektroskopie; Differensiële Skandeerkolorimetrie; Termiese Gravimetriese Ontleding; Skandeeringelektronmikroskopie; Transmissie Elektron Mikroskopie; Wye-hoek X-straal Diffraktometrie; Klein-hoek Neutronstrooiing; Vaste-toestand 13C Kern Magnetiese Resonansiespektroskopie; en Elektronspin Resonansiespektroskopie. Dit is in hierdie studie vasgestel dat die oriëntering van elektro-gespinde PAN vergelykbaar is met kommersiële nat-gespinde vesels as die elektro-spin veldsterkte groter is as 0,75 kV per cm. Die elektro-spin proses lei tot chemiese degradasie van die PAN polimeer, wat voorheen slegs deur ander vesel-wetenskaplikes waargeneem is nadat PAN tot meer as 280 C verhit is. Dit word veroorsaak deur die hoë meganiese spanning op die hoë-oppervlakarea vesels wat in „n suurstofryke lug-atmosfeer gespin word. Die byvoeging van sekere soute, veral litiumchloried en kopernitraat, by die PAN elektro-spin spinlak (dope) deur die navorser het vesels gelewer met verbeterde termiese stabiliteit in vergelyking met die kontrole PAN-monsters sonder bymiddels. Verder verlaag hierdie soute die endoterm vir die produksie van gekarboniseerde vesels uit PAN-vesels, en dit sal daarom meer gestruktureerde, sterker koolstofvesels met hoë taaiheid lewer. X-straaldiffraksieanalise het gewys dat gewone elekrospin vesels ‟n driedimensionele struktuur het maar as gevolg van die byvoeging van sekere soute, wat die dipoolinteraksies in PAN opbreek, dat vesels wat 'n soortgelyke tweedimensionele struktuur het as dié van groot skaalse kommersiële nat-spin vesels, maklik d.m.v. die elektrospinproses berei kan word. Enkele nywerheidstoepassings van elektrospin is ontwikkel, en beskryf.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the world, affecting adults and children. Children infected with TB differ from adults, as their immunological and patho-physiological response to the disease is different. Although there are a variety of tests available for TB diagnosis, they have limitations when used to diagnose paediatric TB. Children are also unable to generate sputum spontaneously when required for the use in culture or microscopy as diagnostic method. Children however do produce sputum, containing the TB bacilli, which they swallow. If the TB bacilli can therefore be retrieved from the stomach and tested, TB can be diagnosed using gastric samples. In this thesis, a variety of styrene maleimide copolymer (SMI) derivatives were prepared as potential M. tuberculosis-capturing platforms. This was done by modifying poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) with a variety of primary amine compounds, selected based on possible chemical interactions with the M. tuberculosis cell wall. All the prepared copolymer derivatives were electrospun into nanofibrous mats using the single needle electrospinning technique to yield SMI nanofibers, functionalized with different compounds. Some of the functionalized SMI nanofibers were prepared by surface-functionalization of the polymer nanofibers after electrospinning and some by modification of the polymer before electrospinning. Affinity studies were conducted at neutral and low pH between the different functionalized SMI nanofibers and two mycobacterium strains, namely the bacillus Calmette-Guérin strain of Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) and M. tuberculosis, to evaluate the surfaces of the modified SMI nanofibers as mycobacterium-capturing platforms. The successful capture of BCG onto the surfaces of the various functionalized nanofibers was confirmed by SEM and fluorescence microscopy (FM). Analysis of the SEM and FM images indicated that the SMI nanofibers, functionalized with a C12 aliphatic quaternary ammonium moiety (SMI-qC12), captured BCG the most effectively through a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interaction. Concentration and time studies revealed that the extent of this interaction was dependent on incubation time and concentration of BCG. The affinity studies with BCG also concluded that the polymer used for the nanofibrous-capturing platform should not be too hydrophobic in character as this caused poor wetting of the functionalized nanofibers, thus preventing close contact with the mycobacteria and a reduction in the capture effectivity of the polymer nanofibers. The successful capture of M. tuberculosis onto the SMI-qC12 nanofibrous surface was confirmed by FM, light microscopy (LM) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The extent of this interaction was dependent on the concentration of M. tuberculosis. The detection of M. tuberculosis using FM and LM as detection methods was simplified by the tendency of M. tuberculosis to clump together in clusters on the hydrophobic surface of the SMI-qC12 nanofibers. As a result of this clustering, FM and LM were therefore regarded as feasible detection methods to image M. tuberculosis on the surface of the SMI-qC12 nanofibers, even at relatively low concentration of M. tuberculosis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tuberkulose (TB) is 'n groot oorsaak van morbiditeit en mortaliteit regoor die wêreld en affekteer volwassenes en kinders. Kinders wat met TB geïnfekteer is, se immunologiese en patofisiologiese reaksie op die siekte verskil van die van volwassenes en dit het belangrike implikasies vir die diagnose van TB in kinders. Alhoewel daar 'n verskeidenheid van toetse beskikbaar is vir die diagnose van TB, het hulle beperkings wanneer dit gebruik word om pediatriese TB te diagnoseer. Kinders kan ook nie spontaan sputum produseer as dit nodig is vir die gebruik in kultuur of mikroskopie as diagnostiese metode. Kinders produseer egter wel sputum, wat die TB basille bevat, wat hulle dan insluk. As die TB basille uit die maag versamel kan word en getoets kan word, kan TB gediagnoseer word met behulp van maag monsters. In hierdie tesis is 'n verskeidenheid van stireen maleimied kopolimeer (SMI) afgeleides voorberei as potensiële Mycobacterium tuberkulose (Mtb)-vaslegging platforms. Dit is gedoen deur die modifikasie van poli(stireen-ko-maleïen anhidried) (SMA) met 'n verskeidenheid primêre amien verbindings as oppervlak-funksionaliseringsagente. Hierdie primêre amien verbindings is gekies op grond van moontlike chemiese interaksies met die Mtb selwand. Al die voorbereide kopolimeer afgeleides is elektrogespin in nanoveselagtige matte met behulp van die enkel-naald elektrospin tegniek om SMI nanovesels te lewer wat gefunksionaliseer is met verskillende verbindings. Sommige van die gefunksionaliseerde SMI nanovesels is berei deur oppervlak-funksionalisering van die polimeer nanovesels na elektrospin, en sommige deur die modifikasie van die polimeer voor elektrospin. Affiniteitstudies is uitgevoer, by neutrale en lae pH, tussen die verskillende gefunksionaliseerde SMI nanovesels en twee mikobakterium rasse, naamlik die basillus Calmette-Guérin ras van Mycobacterium bovis (BCG) en M. tuberculosis, om die oppervlaktes van die gewysigde SMI nanovesels te evalueer as mikobakterium-vaslegging platforms. Ontleding van die SEM en FM beelde het aangedui dat die SMI nanovesels, gefunksionaliseer met 'n C12 alifatiese kwaternêre ammonium groep (SMI-qC12), BCG die doeltreffendste vasgevang het deur 'n kombinasie van ioniese en hidrofobiese interaksie. Konsentrasie- en tydstudies tussen BCG en SMI-qC12 het aangedui dat die omvang van hierdie interaksie afhanklik is van inkubasietyd en konsentrasie van BCG. Die affiniteitstudies met BCG het ook aangedui dat die polimeer wat gebruik word vir die nanoveselagtige-vaslegging platform nie te hidrofobiese moet wees nie, aangesien dit swak benatting van die gefunksionaliseerde nanovesels veroorsaak, en dus noue kontak met die mikobakterieë voorkom met ʼn gevolglike vermindering in die vasvang-effektiwiteit van die polimeer nanovesels. Die suksesvolle vasvang van M. tuberculosis op die SMI-qC12 nanovesels is bevestig deur FM, lig mikroskopie (LM) en polimerase kettingreaksie (PKR). Die opsporing van Mtb deur die gebruik van FM en LM as opsporingmetodes is vergemaklik deur die tendens van Mtb om in groepies saam te pak op die hidrofobiese oppervlak van die SMI-qC12 nanovesels. As gevolg van hierdie groepering, is FM en LM dus haalbare opsporingmetodes om M. tuberculosis op die oppervlak van die SMI-qC12 nanovesels waar te neem, selfs by relatief lae konsentrasie van M. tuberculosis.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Novel poly(methacrylic acid)-graft-poly(dimethylsiloxane) copolymers were synthesised by conventional free radical reactions using a poly(dimethylsiloxane) macromonomer. The polymers were electrospun to investigate how the fibre morphology can be modified by manipulating the electrospinning solution parameters, and to determine the possibility of using the polymers as new materials for the production of polymer nanofibre hydrogels. The electrospinning solution parameters were varied by electrospinning the highly amphiphilic copolymers in solvents with variable solvent qualities. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE–SEM) was used to investigate the fibre morphology. Internal morphology was studied using a freeze fracture technique prior to FE-SEM imaging. It is revealed that the polymers in this study does not form any fine structure or pores even when self-assembled structures are present in the solution. Attempts were made to visualise any self-assembled structures of films produced from dilute solutions using TEM. Further studies included investigating the fibres properties, primarily with regards to their rate and extent of moisture and water uptake. The fibres showed hydrogel behaviour and the PDMS content were found to have an impact on the hydrogel stability. Post electrospinning crosslinking of the nanofibres was also explored. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Unieke ent-kopolimere wat bestaan uit poli(metielakrielsuur) (PMAS) en poli(dimetielsiloksaan) (PDMS) is gesintetiseer deur middel van 'n “ent-deur” vryeradikaalkopolimerisasie. 'n PDMS makromonomeer is vir hierdie doel gebruik. Die polimere is geëlektrospin om vesels te vorm. Die doel was om die invloed van verkillende strukture in oplossing op die veselmorfologie te bepaal. Die moontlikheid om hierdie nanovesels as gels te gebruik is ook ondersoek. Die amfifiliese kopolimere is geëlektrospin uit die oplossing waarin dit wisselende oplosbaarheid toon. Skandeer elektron mikroskopie (SEM) is gebruik om die morfologie te ondersoek. Die interne morfologie van die vesels is ondersoek deur die vesels te vries en in die gevriesde toestand te breek. Die studie het getoon dat geen strukture op, of binne, die vesels vorm nie, selfs al moes daar assosiasie tussen segmente van die polimere gewees het. Hierdie tipe assosiasies sou strukture in die oplossing tot gevolg gehad het. 'n Poging is aangewend om die strukture in oplossing te visualiseer deur transmissie elektron mikroskopie (TEM) van dun films te ondersoek. Films is vanaf verdunde oplossings gevorm. Ander studies het ingesluit om die eienskappe van die vesels te ondersoek, met die fokus op hoeveel en hoe vinnig die vesels waterdamp en water kon absorbeer. Die vesels het soos 'n gel reageer. Hierdie gedrag is beïnvloed deur die hoeveelheid PDMS wat 'n definitiewe invloed op die stabiliteit van die gel gehad het. Kruisverbindings van die vesels, nadat dit geëlektrospin is, is ook ondersoek.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two series of amphiphilic, organic-inorganic graft copolymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PMMA-graft-PDMS), as well as poly(acrylonitrile) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PAN-graft-PDMS), were synthesized via conventional free radical copolymerization using the ―grafting through‖ technique. In both series the PDMS macromonomer content varied from 5 wt.% - 25 wt.% and different graft lengths of 1000 g/mol and 5000 g/mol were used. A gradient elution profile was developed to monitor the removal of the unreacted PDMS macromonomer using hexane extraction. In the case of the PAN copolymer series, the gradient profile showed that as the PDMS content in the feed increased, more PAN-graft-PDMS molecules formed relative to homopolymer PAN. In the case of the PMMA copolymer series, mostly PMMA-graft-PDMS molecules were formed as the PDMS content in the feed increased. In the case of the PAN-graft-PDMS series, the PDMS content affected the crystallization behaviour of the PAN segments and lead to a decrease in crystallinity across the composition range as the PDMS content increased. It is shown that the synthesized graft copolymers can be electrospun to produce continuous nanofibers. The effects of polymer solution concentration, copolymer composition and tip-to-collector distance on the fiber morphology are discussed. The rapid stretching of the polymer jet, as well as the rapid solvent evaporation during the electrospinning process, resulted in highly complex nonequilibrium morphologies in the case of the electrospun PAN-graft-PDMS copolymers. The crystallization behaviour of the electrospun fibers of PAN-graft- PDMS was shown to be different from the unprocessed precursor material. Surface oxidised MWCNTs were successfully incorporated and well dispersed into the graft copolymers via the electrospinning process to produce nanocomposite nanofibers. In the case of the PAN-graft-PDMS copolymer series, the presence of MWCNTs in the nanocomposite nanofibers enhanced the overall degree of crystallinity when compared to the unfilled nanofibers. For the first time positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) analysis was performed on the various complex graft copolymer compositions and their electrospun fiber analogues, as well as nanocomposites, to investigate the free volume properties of the various materials. The results revealed that there are two distinct ortho-positronium (o-Ps) lifetime parameters for these complex multiphased materials. The shorter lived lifetime -3 was attributed to the o-Ps annihilation in the amorphous regions of the crystalline PAN phase in the PAN-graft-PDMS copolymer series, as well as to the o-Ps annihilation in the amorphous PMMA phase in the case of the PMMA-graft-PDMS copolymer series. The longer lived lifetime -4 was attributed to the o-Ps annihilation in the more amorphous PDMS phase. In the case of the PMMA series the relative fractional free volume was influenced by the graft lengths, where the 5000 g/mol series showed a larger increase in fractional free volume relative to the shorter 1000 g/mol series. The effects of the tip-to-collector distance during electrospinning, as well as the inclusion of MWCNTs, on the free volume properties are also discussed. It is demonstrated how positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy can provide valuable and unique information on the internal structure and morphology of the electrospun nanofibers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Twee reekse amfifiliese, organies-anorganiese entkopolimere van poli(metielmetakrilaat) en poli(dimetielsiloksaan) (PMMA-ent-PDMS), asook poli(akrilonitriel) en poli(dimetielsiloksaan) (PAN-ent-PDMS), is gesintetiseer deur konvensionele vrye-radikaalkopolimerisasie. Die PDMS makromonomeerinhoud het gewissel tussen 5 wt.% - 25 wt.% in albei reekse en sykettinglengtes van 1000 g/mol en 5000 g/mol is gebruik. `n Gradient-eluasieprofiel is opgestel om die verwydering van ongereageerde PDMS makromonomeer d.m.v. heksaanekstraksie te monitor. In die PAN kopolimeer reeks het die gradient-eluasieprofiel gewys dat meer PAN-ent- PDMS molekules vorm relatief tot die PAN homopolimeer sodra meer PDMS bygevoeg word. In die PMMA kopolimeer reeks het meer PMMA-ent-PDMS molekules gevorm sodra meer PDMS toegevoeg is. In die geval van die PAN-ent- PDMS reeks, het die PDMS die kristallisasiegedrag van die PAN segmente geaffekteer en `n afname in die totale kristalliniteit veroorsaak soos die PDMS inhoud vermeerder het. Daar word bewys dat die gesintetiseerde entkopolimere geelektrospin kan word om nanovesels te vorm. Die effek van polimeeroplossingskonsentrasie, kopolimeersamestelling en punt-tot-versamelaarafstand op die nanoveselmorfologie word bespreek. Die vinnige strekking van die polimeerjet sowel as die vinnige verdamping van die oplosmiddel gedurende die elektrospinproses het gelei tot hoogs komplekse nie-ekwilibrium morfologieë in die geval van die ge-elektrospinde PAN-ent-PDMS kopolimere. Die kristallisasiegedrag van die nanovesels van PAN-ent-PDMS het verskil van die onverwerkte voorloper materiaal. Oppervlakgeoksideerde MWCNTs is suksevol geïnkorporeer en versprei in die entkopolimere d.m.v. die elektrospinproses om nanosaamgestelde nanovesels te vorm. Die teenwoordigheid van MWCNTs in die nanosaamgestelde nanovesels in die PAN-ent-PDMS kopolimeerreeks het gelei tot `n verbetering in die algehele kristalliniteit in vergelyking met die nanovesels sonder MWCNTs. Positronvernietigingsleeftyd- spektroskopie (PALS) is vir die eerste keer gebruik om die vrye volume van verskillende kompleks entkopolimeersamestellings, hul ge-elektrospinde nanovesels sowel as nanosaamgestelde nanovesels te bestudeer. Die resultate het getoon dat daar twee verskillende orto-positronium (o-Ps) leeftydparameters vir hierdie komplekse multifase materiale bestaan. Die korter leeftydparameter -3 word toegeskryf aan die o-Ps vernietiging in die amorfe areas van die kristallyne PAN fase in die PAN-ent-PDMS kopolimeerreeks, sowel as die o-Ps vernietiging in die amorfe PMMA fase in die PMMA-ent-PDMS kopolimeerreeks. Die langer leeftydparameter -4 word toegeskryf aan die o-Ps vernietiging in die amorfe PDMS fase. Die relatief fraksionele vrye volume van die PMMA reeks is deur die verskillende syketting lengtes beïnvloed. Die 5000 g/mol syketting het `n groter toename in fraksionele vrye volume veroorsaak relatief tot die korter 1000 g/mol syketting. Die effek van die punttot- versamelaar-afstand tydens die elektrospinproses op die vrye volume eienskappe, sowel as die insluiting van MWCNTs, word bespreek. Daar word aangedui hoe positron-vernietigingsleeftyd-spektroskopie waardevolle en unieke inligting kan verskaf oor die interne struktuur en morfologie van die nanovesels.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2016. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, with one third of the population being infected by it. The diagnosis of active tuberculosis entails finding and identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative pathogen in a specimen of bodily fluid from the patient. Multiple samples will improve the diagnostic yield and specimen volumes should therefore be as large as possible, which is often challenging for patients and especially younger children. Alternatively, a smaller volume could be required if there was a manner in which to concentrate the bacteria within a specimen, through use of a substrate which has an affinity for the pathogenic species. Polymers having intrinsic cellular activity are of interest as such substrates, one such being the natural polysaccharide, chitosan. In this thesis, a variety of modified chitosan derivatives were prepared as potential Mtb-capturing substrates. This was achieved by modifying chitosan with a variety of moieties, selected based on possible interactions with the Mtb cell wall, to render various quaternary ammonium salts of the polymer chitosan. The quaternized chitosan derivatives were then used to synthesize nano-substrates having an affinity for Mtb. Polymer coated superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPMNs) were synthesized via an in situ co-precipitation technique, in which modified chitosan is able to chelate with the metal core. Polymer nanofibers were also electrospun via the electrospinning technique. The prepared derivative, N-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (TMC), was electrospun into nanofibers by blending with suitable non-ionogenic polymers, namely polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyacrylamide (PAM), required to facilitate nanofiber formation. Affinity studies were conducted between the modified chitosan nano-substrates and the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain of Mycobacterium bovis, the attenuated Mtb-mimic bacteria, for evaluation as mycobacterium capturing substrates. The successful capture of BCG onto the surfaces of the various modified chitosan nanofibers and modified chitosan coated superparamagnetic nanoparticles was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy (FM), light microscopy (LM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Analysis of the FM, TEM and FE-SEM images indicated that the chitosan coated nanoparticles functionalized with a C12 aliphatic quaternary ammonium moiety (CS-qC12), captured the most BCG through a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interaction. TMC blended with PVA, to produce nanofibers crosslinked with genipin, were found to have the strongest interaction with BCG of the nanofibrous mats tested. These findings were corroborated by water contact angle measurements, which established that PVA was the least hydrophilic of the non-ionogenic polymers and had hydrogen bond donating groups only, factors influencing the cellular adhesive properties of affinity substrates. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tuberkulose (TB) is een van die wêreld se mees dodelikste siektes, met ‘n derde van die bevolking wat geïnfekteer is daarmee. Ten einde aktiewe TB te diagnoseer moet Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), die voorsakende patogeen in ʼn monster van die pasiënt se liggaamlike vloeistof, gevind en ïdentifiseer word. Veelvuldige monsters sal die diagnotiese opbrengs verhoog en monster volumes moet dus so groot as moontlik wees wat dikwels ʼn uitdaging vir pasiënte en veral jonger kinders kan bied. Alternatiewelik kan ʼn kleiner monster van die pasiënt vereis word indien daar ʼn manier was om die bakterieë in ʼn monster te konsentreer deur die gebruik van ʼn substraat wat ʼn affiniteit toon vir die patogeniese spesie. Polimere met ʼn intrinsieke sellulêre aktiwiteit, wek belangstelling as sodanige substraat, een synde die natuurlike polisakkaried, chitosan. In hierdie tesis is ʼn verskeidenheid gemodifiseerde chitosan afgeleides voorberei as potensiële Mtb-vaslegging substrate. Dit is gedoen deur chitosan te modifiseer met ʼn verskeidenheid funksionele groepe, gekies op grond van moontlike interaksies met die Mtb selwand, ten einde ʼn verskeidenheid kwaternêre ammonium soute van die chitosan polimeer te bekom. Die kwaternêre chitosan afgeleides is gevolglik gebruik om nano-substrate te sintetiseer wat ʼn affiniteit toon vir Mtb. Polimeer bedekte superparamagnetiese magnetiet nanopartikels (SPMNs) is gesintetiseer via ʼn in situ mede-neerslag metode, waarvolgens die gemodifiseerde chitosan polimere in staat is om met die metaal kern te chelaat. Polimeer nanovesels is ook geëlektrospin deur die elektrospin tegniek te gebruik. Die voorbereide afgeleide N-trimetielammonium chitosan chloried (TMC) is tot nanovesels geëlektrospin deur vermenging met geskikte nie-ionogeniese polimere, naamlik poliviniel-alkohol (PVA), polietilene-oksied (PEO), poliviniel-pirrolidoon (PVP) en poliakrielamied (PAM), wat vereis word ten einde nanovesels te produseer. Affiniteit studies is uitgevoer tussen die gemodifiseerde chitosan nano-substrate en die bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) stam van Mycobacterium bovis, die verswakte Mtb-mimiek bakterieë vir evaluering as mycobakterium-vaslegging substrate. Die suksesvolle vasvang van BCG op die oppervlaktes van die verskillende gemodifiseerde chitosan nanovesels en gemodifiseerde chitosan bedekte SPMNs is bevestig deur fluoressensie mikroskopie (FM), lig mikroskopie (LM), transmissie elektron mikroskopie (TEM) en veld-emissie-skandering elektron mikroskopie (FE-SEM). Analise van die FM, TEM en FE-SEM beelde het getoon dat die chitosan bedekte nanopartikels met byvoeging van ʼn C12 alifatiese kwaternêre ammonium groep, die meeste BCG vasgevang het deur ʼn kombinasie van ioniese en hidrofobiese interaksie. TMC vermeng met PVA om nanovesels te vorm, gekruisbind met genipin, is gevind om die sterkste interaksie met BCG te toon. Hierdie bevindings is bevestig deur water-kontak-hoek-metings, wat getoon het dat PVA die minste hidrofilies van die nie-ionogeniese polimere was en slegs waterstof-binding skenkings groepe het, alles faktore wat die sellulêre bindingskwaliteite van affiniteit-substrate sal beïnvloed.

<p>In this work we investigated fabrication of semiconductor nanomaterials and evaluated their potential for photo-chemical and photovoltaic applications. We investigated two different II-VI semiconductor nanomaterial systems; (i) ZnO oriented nanowire arrays non-epitaxially grown from a substrate; and (ii) colloidal CdTe nanotetrapods synthesized by solution-based thermal decomposition of organo-metallic precursors. In both the cases our main focus has been optimizing material synthesis for improving potential applications based on photon-electron interactions.</p><p>We have studied the synthesis of vertically aligned ZnO nanowire arrays (NWA), by a wet chemical process on various substrates. The synthesis is based on epitaxial growth of ZnO seed-layer on a substrate in a chemical bath consisting of an aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT). We have suggested an additional role played by HMT during the synthesis of ZnO nanowire arrays. We have also extended this synthesis method to fabricate hierarchical nanostructures of nanofibers of poly-L-lactide acting as a substrate for the radially oriented growth of ZnO nanowires. The combination of high surface area of the nanofibrous substrate with the flexibility of the PLLA-ZnO hierarchical nanostructure enabled the proof-of-principle demonstration of a ‘continuous-flow’ water treatment system that could effectively decompose single and combination of known organic pollutants in water, as well as render common waterborne bacteria nonviable.</p><p>We have studied another chemical synthesis that is commonly used for size controlled synthesis of colloidal quantum dots, which was modified to obtain anisotropic nanocrystals mainly for CdE (E=S, Se, Te) compositions. In this work we demonstrate by use of oleic acid (instead of alkylphosphonic acids) it is possible to synthesize CdTe and CdSe nanotetrapods at much lower temperatures (~180 ºC) than what is commonly reported in the literature, with significantly different  formation mechanism in the low-temperature reaction.</p><p>Finally, we have performed preliminary photoconduction measurements with CdTe nanotetrapods using gold ‘nanogap’ electrodes fabricated in-house, and obtain up to 100 times enhancement in current levels in the <em>I–V </em>measurements under illumination with a white light source.</p> / QC20100607