Title: Preparation of nanostructured and nanocomposite thin films with plasma polymer matrix Author: Pavel Solař Department: Department of Macromolecular Physics, MFF, UK Supervisor of the doctoral thesis Prof. RNDr. Hynek Biederman, DrSc., Department of Macromolecular Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University in Prague Abstract: This thesis is devoted to study of nanostructured thin films implementing metal and plasma polymer particles and columns. Process of formation of particles from various materials has been studied. The particles size, shape and chemical composition has been characterized relative to the deposition conditions. Transport of metal and plasma polymer particles inside the particle source and from the particle source to substrate has been investigated. The particles were used in composite films especially to produce films with controlled roughness e.g. for investigation of influence of roughness on adhesion of cells. Preparation of columnar films by Glancing Angle Deposition has been studied and the particles have been used as seeds for the columnar growth. Keywords: Nanoparticles, Glancing Angle Deposition, plasma polymer, composite thin film

M. Tech. (Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Applied and Computer Science): Vaal University of Technology / Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of silver (Ag) and silver selenide (Ag2Se) nanoparticles using the metal-organic route method. This method involves the reduction of selenium powder and silver nitrate in the presence of trioctylphosphine as a solvent. Tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and hexadecylamine (HDA) were used in the study as capping molecules. The optical properties of the as-prepared nanoparticles were studied using UV-Visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) were used to study the structural properties. The effect of capping molecules and temperature were investigated on the growth of the nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles seem to depend on the reaction temperature were the increase in temperature led to an increase in particle sizes. The growth of the as-prepared TOPO-capped Ag2Se nanoparticles was influenced by temperature, this was evident when the temperature was increased, the nanoparticles evolved from sphere to hexagonal shape. TOPO-capped nanoparticles showed the tendency of agglomeration with increase in temperature compared to HDA-capped nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction results showed peaks which were identified as due to α-Ag2Se body centered cubic compound for both TOPO/HDA-capped Ag2Se nanoparticles. Some evidence of impurities were observed in the XRD analysis and indexed to metallic silver. HDA-capped Ag nanoparticles were found to be affected by temperature variation. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized with UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. XRD analysis was not performed due to small yield obtained. The absorption spectra of HDA-capped Ag nanoparticles at different temperatures show a surface Plasmon resonance (SPR) band in the regions 418 - 428 nm. Uniform spherical shapes were obtained for both 130 and 190 °C and fewer particles were obtained at 160 °C. The synthesis of TOPO–capped Ag nanoparticles was unsuccessful since none of the particles were isolated from the solution due to its lower capping ability or it may be that TOPO is binding too strongly to Ag. The polymer nanofibres were electrospun using electrospinning technique. Parameters such as concentration and voltage were investigated. These parameters significantly affect the formation of fibre morphology. PVP and PMMA polymers were used for this study. The electrospun composite fibres were characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The SEM results show that increasing the polymer concentration resulted in increased fibre diameters. Hence increasing the voltage decreases the fibre diameters. Ag2Se nanoparticles were incorporated into PVP and PMMA and electrospun using electrospinning to produce composite fibres. Their addition into PVP polymer fibres improved the fibre’s uniformity and further decreased their diameters. The SEM of composite fibres for PMMA is not shown. The absorption bands for PVP composites fibres show a blue shift from the pure Ag2Se nanoparticles, whereas the one for PMMA show a red shift from the pure Ag2Se nanoparticles. Both the composite fibres for PVP and PMMA show a blue shift from the bulk of Ag2Se. The XRD analysis of the composite fibres shows no significant effect upon addition of Ag2Se nanoparticles on the amorphous peak of the PVP polymer, whereas on the PMMA, it shows peaks which were due to the face centered cubic phase of Ag. The FTIR spectra of the composite fibres and pure polymers (PVP and PMMA) gave almost identical features. TGA curves show no significant effect on the thermal properties of the PVP polymer and its composites, however, on the PMMA composite fibres it show an increase in the thermal stability of the polymers upon addition of Ag2Se nanoparticles. The study was based on silver nanoparicles and its antibacterial activities. One of the synthetic challenges for silver nanoparticles is their solubility and yield. Selenide was introduced in the study to improve such shortcomings of silver nanoparticles and also for possible improved properties, chemical stability and increased activity against bacteria. The selenide group on the metal also provides stronger chemical interaction between the nanoparticles and the polymer. Therefore, the intension was to use these nanoparticles into polymer fibres for potential use in wound dressing.

O uso de agentes químicos coadjuvantes da higienização bucal pode ser necessário para o controle da microbiota cariogênica de indivíduos com alto risco e atividade da doença cárie. Atualmente o agente antimicrobiano mais recomendado é o digluconato de clorexidina (CHX) devido ao seu amplo espectro de ação e efeito residual. Contudo, quando utilizado por longos períodos, este agente químico apresenta efeitos colaterais. Neste contexto, os polifenóis naturais, como a Epigalocatequina3galato (EGCG), derivada do chá verde, vêm sendo propostos como alternativa aos agentes antimicrobianos sintéticos. Entretanto, os polifenóis não apresentam estabilidade ao longo do tempo, podendo se oxidar rapidamente. Desta forma, o encapsulamento da EGCG em nanopartículas poderia aumentar a sua biodisponibilidade e estabilidade física e química, manter o efeito deste polifenol no tecido alvo e potencializar sua eficácia farmacológica. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e caracterizar sistemas de encapsulamento de EGCG e avaliar, in vitro, sua atividade antimicrobiana frente a microorganismos cariogênicos. Inicialmente, foram preparadas nanopartículas poliméricas (NPP) e carreadores lipídicos nanoestruturados (CLN), que foram caracterizados e avaliados quanto à sua atividade antimicrobiana in vitro frente aos microorganismos Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus e Lactobacillus casei. Após a análise dos resultados microbiológicos, o CLN foi selecionado para o encapsulamento da EGCG (CLNEGCG), por apresentar atividade antimicrobiana frente à todos os microorganismos avaliados. O CLNEGCG foi preparado pelo método de emulsão e sonicação e caracterizado quanto ao diâmetro, índice de polidispersão (PdI), potencial zeta (PZ), eficiência de encapsulamento (EE), cristalinidade, capacidade de mucoadesão e morfologia. A atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da EGCG livre e encapsulada foi avaliada por meio da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). O diâmetro, PdI e o PZ dos CLN foram 228nm, 0,216 e 36,53mV, respectivamente, sendo que o encapsulamento da EGCG não alterou significativamente estes parâmetros. O CLN apresentou forma esférica, estabilidade por 330 dias e propriedade mucoadesiva devido a presença de quitosana na superfície do CLN. Além disso, a quitosana favoreceu o encapsulamento da EGCG obtendose uma EE de ~96%. As concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas do CLNEGCG (33,75 a 67,5 µg/mL) foram menores do que as verificadas para a EGCG livre (250 a 2.000 µg/mL), comprovando o aumento do potencial antimicrobiano com o encapsulamento da EGCG em nanocarreadores híbridos. De acordo com esses resultados, o CLNEGCG, desenvolvido no presente trabalho, constitui um sistema com potencial para o uso tópico bucal, pois além de ser estável e apresentar propriedade de mucoadesão e morfologia adequada, apresentaram alta atividade antimicrobiana frente aos principais microorganismos envolvidos no processo carioso. / The use of oral hygiene adjuvants may be necessary to control the cariogenic microbiota of individuals with high risk and caries disease activity. Currently the most recommended antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) because of its broad spectrum of action and residual effect. However, this chemical has side effects. In this context, as an Epigallocatechin3gallate (EGCG), a derivative of green tea, as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. However, there is no stability over time and can oxidize rapidly. Thus, the encapsulation of EGCG in nanoparticles can increase their bioavailability and physical and chemical stability, maintain the effect of this polyphenol on the target tissue and potentiate its pharmacological efficacy. Thus, the present study aimed to develop and characterize EGCG encapsulation systems and to evaluate, in vitro, its antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. Initially, polymer nanoparticles (NPP) and nanostructured lipid carriers (CLN) were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus casei microorganisms. After the analysis of the microbiological results, the CLN was selected for the encapsulation of EGCG (CLNEGCG), due to its higher antimicrobial activity. The CLNEGCG was developed by emulsion and sonication method and was characterized in relation to diameter, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (PZ), encapsulation efficiency (EE), crystallinity, mucoadhesion capacity and morphology. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of EGCG and its ability to evaluate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The diameter, PdI and PZ of the CLNs were 228nm, 0.216 and 36.53mV, respectively, and the EGCG encapsulation did not significantly alter these parameters. The CLN showed a spherical structure, stability for 330 days and a mucoadhesive property due to a presence of chitosan on the CLN surface. In addition, a chitosan favored EGCG encapsulation resulting in an EE of ~ 96%. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of CLGEGCG (33.75 to 67.5 µg / mL) were lower than those for free EGCG (250 to 2,000 µg / mL), with increased antimicrobial potential with EGCG encapsulation in hybrid nanocarriers. According to the results, the CLNEGCG, developed in the present study, constitutes a system with potential for oral topical use, besides being stable and possessing mucoadhesion properties, presented high antimicrobial activity against the main microorganisms involved in the carious process.

O uso de agentes químicos coadjuvantes da higienização bucal pode ser necessário para o controle da microbiota cariogênica de indivíduos com alto risco e atividade da doença cárie. Atualmente o agente antimicrobiano mais recomendado é o digluconato de clorexidina (CHX) devido ao seu amplo espectro de ação e efeito residual. Contudo, quando utilizado por longos períodos, este agente químico apresenta efeitos colaterais. Neste contexto, os polifenóis naturais, como a Epigalocatequina3galato (EGCG), derivada do chá verde, vêm sendo propostos como alternativa aos agentes antimicrobianos sintéticos. Entretanto, os polifenóis não apresentam estabilidade ao longo do tempo, podendo se oxidar rapidamente. Desta forma, o encapsulamento da EGCG em nanopartículas poderia aumentar a sua biodisponibilidade e estabilidade física e química, manter o efeito deste polifenol no tecido alvo e potencializar sua eficácia farmacológica. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e caracterizar sistemas de encapsulamento de EGCG e avaliar, in vitro, sua atividade antimicrobiana frente a microorganismos cariogênicos. Inicialmente, foram preparadas nanopartículas poliméricas (NPP) e carreadores lipídicos nanoestruturados (CLN), que foram caracterizados e avaliados quanto à sua atividade antimicrobiana in vitro frente aos microorganismos Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus e Lactobacillus casei. Após a análise dos resultados microbiológicos, o CLN foi selecionado para o encapsulamento da EGCG (CLNEGCG), por apresentar atividade antimicrobiana frente à todos os microorganismos avaliados. O CLNEGCG foi preparado pelo método de emulsão e sonicação e caracterizado quanto ao diâmetro, índice de polidispersão (PdI), potencial zeta (PZ), eficiência de encapsulamento (EE), cristalinidade, capacidade de mucoadesão e morfologia. A atividade antimicrobiana in vitro da EGCG livre e encapsulada foi avaliada por meio da determinação da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e concentração bactericida mínima (CBM). O diâmetro, PdI e o PZ dos CLN foram 228nm, 0,216 e 36,53mV, respectivamente, sendo que o encapsulamento da EGCG não alterou significativamente estes parâmetros. O CLN apresentou forma esférica, estabilidade por 330 dias e propriedade mucoadesiva devido a presença de quitosana na superfície do CLN. Além disso, a quitosana favoreceu o encapsulamento da EGCG obtendose uma EE de ~96%. As concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas do CLNEGCG (33,75 a 67,5 µg/mL) foram menores do que as verificadas para a EGCG livre (250 a 2.000 µg/mL), comprovando o aumento do potencial antimicrobiano com o encapsulamento da EGCG em nanocarreadores híbridos. De acordo com esses resultados, o CLNEGCG, desenvolvido no presente trabalho, constitui um sistema com potencial para o uso tópico bucal, pois além de ser estável e apresentar propriedade de mucoadesão e morfologia adequada, apresentaram alta atividade antimicrobiana frente aos principais microorganismos envolvidos no processo carioso. / The use of oral hygiene adjuvants may be necessary to control the cariogenic microbiota of individuals with high risk and caries disease activity. Currently the most recommended antimicrobial agent is chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) because of its broad spectrum of action and residual effect. However, this chemical has side effects. In this context, as an Epigallocatechin3gallate (EGCG), a derivative of green tea, as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents. However, there is no stability over time and can oxidize rapidly. Thus, the encapsulation of EGCG in nanoparticles can increase their bioavailability and physical and chemical stability, maintain the effect of this polyphenol on the target tissue and potentiate its pharmacological efficacy. Thus, the present study aimed to develop and characterize EGCG encapsulation systems and to evaluate, in vitro, its antimicrobial activity against cariogenic microorganisms. Initially, polymer nanoparticles (NPP) and nanostructured lipid carriers (CLN) were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and Lactobacillus casei microorganisms. After the analysis of the microbiological results, the CLN was selected for the encapsulation of EGCG (CLNEGCG), due to its higher antimicrobial activity. The CLNEGCG was developed by emulsion and sonication method and was characterized in relation to diameter, polydispersity index (PdI), zeta potential (PZ), encapsulation efficiency (EE), crystallinity, mucoadhesion capacity and morphology. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of EGCG and its ability to evaluate minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The diameter, PdI and PZ of the CLNs were 228nm, 0.216 and 36.53mV, respectively, and the EGCG encapsulation did not significantly alter these parameters. The CLN showed a spherical structure, stability for 330 days and a mucoadhesive property due to a presence of chitosan on the CLN surface. In addition, a chitosan favored EGCG encapsulation resulting in an EE of ~ 96%. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of CLGEGCG (33.75 to 67.5 µg / mL) were lower than those for free EGCG (250 to 2,000 µg / mL), with increased antimicrobial potential with EGCG encapsulation in hybrid nanocarriers. According to the results, the CLNEGCG, developed in the present study, constitutes a system with potential for oral topical use, besides being stable and possessing mucoadhesion properties, presented high antimicrobial activity against the main microorganisms involved in the carious process.

L’encapsulation dans des nanomatériaux de polymères de colorants ioniques à l’aide de contre-ions hydrophobes volumineux apparaît être une méthode très efficace pour générer des nanoparticules (NPs) fluorescentes ultra-brillantes pour la bioimagerie. Nous avons d’abord étendu cette approche par contre-ions aux colorants cyanine opérant dans la gamme du bleu au proche infra-rouge. A partir de NPs chargés en cyanines, une methode de code-barre multicolore pour le traçage cellulaire à long terme a été développé. Ensuite, le rôle des contre-ions hydrophobes volumineux dans l’auto-assemblage des colorants cationiques à l’intérieur des NPs de polymères a été étudié en testant une large collection d’anions. Nous avons montré qu’une forte hydrophobicité du contre-ion augmente l’encapsulation du colorant, régule son clustering et empêche l’agrégation de nanoparticules, alors qu’une grande taille empêche l’auto-inhibition de fluorescence. Enfin, nous avons introduit les contre-ions à base d’aluminates et de barbiturates, qui sur-performent les tetraphénylborates fluorés. Ce travail procure une base solide au concept d’émission et d’encapsulation augmentées par contre-ions pour la préparation de NPs chargés en colorants fluorescents. / Encapsulation of ionic dyes with help of bulky hydrophobic counterions into polymer nanomaterials emerged as powerful method for generating ultrabright fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) for bioimaging. Here, this counterion-based approach is extended to cyanine dyes, operating from blue to near-infrared range. Based on cyanine-loaded NPs, a multicolour cell barcoding method for long-term cell tracking is developed. Second, the role of bulky hydrophobic counterion in self-assembly of cationic dyes inside polymeric NPs is studied by testing a large library of anions. We show that high hydrophobicity of a counterion enhances dye encapsulation, prevents particle aggregation and tunes dye clustering, while large size prevents dyes from self-quenching. Third, counterions based on aluminates and barbiturates are shown to outperform fluorinated tetraphenylborates. This work provides a solid basis for counterion-enhanced encapsulation and emission concept in preparation of dye-loaded fluorescent NPs.

Dans ce travail, nous avons développé des nanostructures théranostics à base de polypeptides fonctionnalisées avec un photosensibilisateur (PTS) dans le but d’être utilisées en thérapie photodynamique (PDT). La génération d'oxygène singulet et les propriétés de fluorescence du PTS peuvent ainsi à la fois diagnostiquer et traiter une tumeur. Un dérivé asymétrique et multifonctionnel de l'aza-dipyrrométhènes difluorure de bore chélate (aza-BODIPY) fluorogène a été synthétisé pour être utilisé comme photosensibilisateur en raison de ses propriétés non toxiques, son insensibilité à l'environnement biologique externe, sa production d'oxygène singulet élevée et son important rendement quantique de fluorescence. Pour permettre au photosensibilisant d’atteindre la tumeur, quatre copolymères à blocs amphiphiles différents en termes de localisation du PTS et de la longueur de la chaîne PEG ont été synthétisés. Les blocs amphiphiles sont constitués de segments poly(ɤ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG, DP ~ 50) et poly(éthylène glycol) (PEG, DP = 45 et 113). Ces copolymères sont en outre capables de s’auto-assembler en micelles et en vésicules. Nous avons développé une stratégie de synthèse permettant la liaison covalente du PTS pour les copolymères à blocs amphiphiles, empêchant ainsi une fuite du PTS avant que le nanoparticules atteignent le site de la tumeur. En outre, nous avons étudié l'activité du PTS en fonction de la concentration, de la morphologie des nanoparticules et de la localisation du PTS dans les nanoparticules. Enfin, l'efficacité des nanoparticules a été évaluée in vitro sur des cellules HeLa et B16F1. / In this work, we developed photosensitizer (PTS) functionalized polypeptide-based theranostic nano-assemblies to be used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The singlet oxygen generation and fluorescence properties of the PTS provide simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of the tumor.An asymmetric and multifunctional derivative of the aza-dipyrromethene boron difluoride chelate (aza-BODIPY) fluorophore was synthesized to be used as a photosensitizer due to its nontoxic properties, insensitivity to external biological environment, high singlet oxygen generation and fluorescent quantum yield. To carry the photosensitizer to the tumor, four different (in terms of PTS localization and PEG chain length) amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of poly(ɤ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG, DP~50) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, DP=45 and 113) chains, able to self-assembled into micelles and vesicles, were synthesized. We developed a synthetic strategy allowing covalent linkage of PTS to the amphiphilic block copolymers, thus preventing PTS leakage before the nano-assembly reaches the tumor site. Moreover, we investigated PTS activity as a function of concentration, morphology of the nano-assemblies and PTS localization in the nano-assemblies. Finally, the efficacy of the nano-assemblies has been evaluated in vitro on HeLa and B16F1 cells.

Smooth fluorocarbon plasma polymer films have been for a long time considered for fabrication of hydrophobic and slippery coatings. Interest in fluorocarbon materials was also supported by their excellent self-lubricant, dielectric properties and chemical inertness. This thesis is focused on development of new methods for fabrication of fluorocarbon plasma polymes, which could combine the chemical composition and the physical structure necessary for reaching superhydrophobic character of coatings. Poly(tetrafluoroethylene) was the subject material. RF magnetron sputtering using gas aggregation cluster source was the method adapted to fabricate fluorocarbon nanostructured films with chemical composition close to conventional bulk PTFE, but with high degree of cross- linking and branched structure. A model of growth of such plasma polymer nanostructures was discussed.

In photodynamic therapy a photosensitizer drug is administered and is irradiated with light. Upon absorption of light the photosensitizer goes into its triplet state and transfers energy or an electron to oxygen to form reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS react with biomolecules in cells leading to cell damage and cell death. PDT has interested many researchers because of its non-invasiveness as compared to surgery, it leaves little to no scars, it is time and cost effective, it has potential for targeted treatment, and can be repeated as needed. Different photosensitizers such as porphyrines, chlorophylls, and dyes have been used in PDT to treat various cancers, skin diseases, aging and sun-damaged skin. These second generation sensitizers have yielded reduced skin sensitivity and improved extinction coefficients (up to ~ 105 L mol-1 cm-1). While PDT based on small molecule photosensitizers has shown great promise, several problems remain unsolved. The main issues with current sensitizers are (i) hydrophobicity leading to aggregation in aqueous media resulting in reduced efficacy and potential toxicity, (ii) dark toxicity of photosensitizers, (iii) non-selectivity towards malignant tissue resulting in prolonged cutaneous photosensitivity and damage to healthy tissue, (iv) limited light absorption efficiency, and (v) a lack of understanding of where the photosensitizer ends up in the tissue. In this dissertation research program, these issues were addressed by the development of conducting polymer nanoparticles as a next generation of photosensitizers. This choice was motivated by the fact that conducting polymers have large extinction coefficients ( > 107 L mol-1 cm-1), are able to undergo intersystem crossing to the triplet state, and have triplet energies that are close to that of oxygen. It was therefore hypothesized that such polymers could be effective at generating ROS due to the large excitation rate that can be generated. Conducting polymer nanoparticles (CPNPs) composed of the conducting polymer poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyl-oxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) were fabricated and studied in-vitro for their potential in PDT application. Although not fully selective, the nanoparticles exhibited a strong bias to the cancer cells. The formation of ROS was proven in-vitro by staining of the cells with CellROX Green Reagent, after which PDT results were quantified by MTT assays. Cell mortality was observed to scale with nanoparticle dosage and light dosage. Based on these promising results the MEH-PPV nanoparticles were developed further to allow for surface functionalization, with the aim of targeting these NPs to cancer cell lines. For this work targeting of cancers that overexpress folate receptors (FR) were considered. The functionalized nanoparticles (FNPs) were studied in OVCAR3 (ovarian cancer cell line) as FR+, MIA PaCa2 (pancreatic cell line) as FR-, and A549 (lung cancer cell line) having marginal FR expression. Complete selectivity of the FNPs towards the FR+ cell line was found. Quantification of PDT results by MTS assays and flow cytometry show that PDT treatment was fully selective to the FR+ cell line (OVCAR3). No cell mortality was observed for the other cell lines studied here within experimental error. Finally, the issue of confirming and quantifying small molecule drug delivery to diseased tissue was tackled by developing quantum dot (Qdot) biosensors with the aim of achieving fluorescence reporting of intracellular small molecule/drug delivery. For fluorescence reporting prior expertise in control of the fluorescence state of Qdots was employed, where redox active ligands can place the Qdot in a quenched OFF state. Ligand attachment was accomplished by disulfide linker chemistry. This chemistry is reversible in the presence of sulfur reducing biomolecules, resulting in Qdots in a brightly fluorescent ON state. Glutathione (GSH) is such a biomolecule that is present in the intracellular environment. Experimental in-vitro data shows that this design was successfully implemented.

Highly fluorescent conjugated polymers (CPs) are an important class of biomaterials used for various biological applications including labelling, sensing, and delivery of biological substances. Synthetic versatility and tunable emission make CPs a superior class of biomaterials. Understanding the structure-function relationship of CPs plays a vital role in designing high performing biomaterials. The cationic CPs are self-assembled to conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) in an aqueous environment due to their amphiphilicity. The physical and biophysical properties of CPNs are highly dependent on the chemical functionality and backbone structure of CPs. Modulation of the surface property and backbone structure of CPNs play an important role for efficient internalization of CPNs into cells. The goal of this dissertation is to understand the structure function relationship of CPNs in an aqueous environment and the change in their photo physical properties upon the self-assembly of CPNs with different backbone structure upon complexation with biologically significant polysaccharides and cell membrane. This work presents the self-assembly of a set of four cationic CPs with different connectivity and backbone structure upon complexation with a linear polyanion hyaluronic acid (HA). The study of photo physical properties changes upon the complexation with series of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) provides more insight about how the self-assembly behavior of cationic CPs changes upon the exposure to negatively charged polysaccharides. The understanding of the self-assembly of CPNs with negatively charged biologically important macromolecules under in vitro conditions can give us an idea of photophysical property changes of CPNs during the treatment of CPNs in the cellular environment. The study of the interaction of CPNs with cell membranes using scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM)-based topography, potential mapping, and confocal microscopy imaging is presented. CPNs are able to induce transient pore like feature formation on the cell membrane during the cellular internalization process. A comparative study of cellular labelling and delivery of siRNA of five CPNs with guanidine motif is presented. The subcellular localization and delivery of siRNA were dependent on the side chain hydrophilicity. The CPNs fabricated with hydrophilic aminoethoxyethanol possesses excellent cellular imaging with higher siRNA delivery.

Optical properties of nanoscopic materials have been intensively perused over last couple of decades due to their tunable optical properties. Recent interests in this field have been mainly focused on the preparation of ordered arrays of nanoscopic materials and study of their optical properties. These interests have been motivated by the usability of such systems for nano photonic devices. Theoretical predictions from such systems reveal complex absorption and emission properties, different from individual ones mainly because of energy transfer between them. These properties can be controlled further by preparing hybrid arrays of nanostructures, including nano crystals of different types. Hybrid arrays with semiconducting quantum dots and metallic nanoparticles are an example of such system. Optical properties of such a system can be tuned by controlling the interaction between excitons and plasmons. This the-sis presents the experimental studies on optical properties of polymer capped polymer nanoparticles, quantum dot arrays and hybrid arrays with semiconducting quantum dot and metal nanoparticles. A brief summary of the experi-mental methods and results have been highlighted below. First chapter deals with the theoretical aspects of confined nanoscopic materials, especially describing the physics of zero dimensional systems and its optical properties. The discussions are mostly focused on two types of nano materials cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dot (QDs) and gold nano particles (Au NPs), used for the experimental study. Variation of energy levels of CdSe QDs and its absorption and emission properties under strong confinement regime has been discussed with respect to effective mass approximation (EMA) model. This is followed by the discussion on optical properties of Au NPs, describing absorption properties, based on Mie theory. Size dependent variation of absorption spectra of Au NPs and the modifications based on different models has been discussed. Second part of the chapter describes the physics of QD arrays and theory of exciton plasmon interactions based on the recent literatures. Energy transfer mechanism between semiconducting QDs and metal nanoparticles has been discussed based on numerical method and dipole approximation. Second chapter deals with the discussion on experimental techniques used for the study. Chapter 2 starts with the discussion on the synthesis method for CdSe QDs and Au NPs with different capping ligands. Preparation of QD ar-rays and hybrid arrays using self assembly technique has been discussed in this chapter. Preparation CdSe QD arrays and hybrid arrays with CdSe QDs and Au NPs using block copolymer (BCP) template and Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technique has been the main focus in the discussion. This is followed by the discussion on optical microscopy techniques, confocal, near field scanning microscopy (NSOM), Brewster angle microscopy and electron microscopy techniques, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Studies on variation of band structure of small polymer capped Au NPs, with respect to the size and grafting density of the capping polymer is discussed in chapter 3. Polymer capped Au NPs with sizes 2-5 nm was used for the study. Dielectric constants of Au NPs were extracted from the absorption spectra by fitting the data using modified Mie theory. Dielectric constants of Au NPs were reproduced using an analytical expression, describing the contribution from different transitions in the optical regions. Results indicate systematic variations of the band structure with respect to the particle size and grafting density. The observations have been interpreted in terms of variation of co ordination number and chemical interaction of capping polymer with the surface atoms. Our new method analysis points to the importance of both quantum and surface effects in determining optical and electronic properties of polymer capped gold nanoparticles. Chapter 4 describes the study on morphology of the CdSe QD arrays prepared using different BCP templates and its correlation with optical properties. Spatially resolved spectra from the thin films of QD arrays were collected in near field and the compared with the spectra collected in far field. Spectra collected in near field mode shows sharp features in the emission spectra, possibly indicating the interaction of optical near field with QD excitation. It has been suggested that such fine structure could be induced by coupling between optical near filed and excitons and this coupling seems to be determined by local heterogeneity in QD density and disorder. Variation of exciton life time with respect to QD density and absorption spectra from the QD -BCP system is also described in chapter 4. Chapter 5 and 6 deals with the experimental studies on exciton -plasmon interaction in hybrid arrays of CdSe QDs and Au NPs. Emission properties hybrid arrays prepared using BCP templates has been the focus of chapter 5. Photoluminescence (PL) and lifetime measurements were performed on hybrid arrays and their variation with respect to the density and dispersion of Au NPs has been described. Optical measurements were performed on two sets of films using two different sizes of CdSe QDs, with the smaller QD emission overlapping with the plasmon resonance of Au NPs, while a red shifted emission peak for larger QDs. PL emission from hybrid arrays with smaller QDs shows en-hancement/quenching with respect to the dispersion of Au NPs, also showing systematic reduction of life time of CdSe QDs with Au NP density. Even though enhancement/quenching of emission properties of hybrid film with large QD shows similar behavior, PL decay measurements from such films shows non monotonic variation of exciton life time with respect to Au NP density. The enhancement/quenching behavior of the PL emission has been explained in terms of two competing mechanism, electromagnetic field enhancement and non radiative energy transfer. However to explain the energy transfer mechanism in hybrid arrays requires more systematic calculations. Chapter 6 describes the optical properties of highly compact hybrid arrays prepared using LB techniques. Hybrid arrays prepared at the air water inter-face were transferred to a glass substrates. The main focus on chapter 6 is to study the emission properties of highly compact hybrid arrays with respect to the spectral overlap between exciton energy of CdSe QDs and plasmon band of Au NPs with respect to their surface density (inter particle distance). Hybrid arrays were prepared with three types of QDs, with smaller QDs emission peak overlapping with plasmon band of Au NPs and clearly separated exciton and plasmon band for largest QDs. The PL emission from hybrid arrays with smaller QDs shows quenching, compared to strong enhancement in the emission from hybrid films with larger QDs. The disagreement of the observed results with respect to the theoretical calculations based on dipole approximation has been highlighted in the chapter. Chapter 7 includes the summary of the experimental results and the future works to be carried out as a continuation of the work presented in this thesis.