Open Access Online Scientific Journal

Research Article

J Sci Discov (2020); 4(2):jsd20029; DOI:10.24262/jsd.4.2.20029; 
Received July 25th,2020, Revised August 21st ,2020, Accepted September 15th, 2020,Published September 21st, 2020.

Fabrication of functionalized, low molecular weight (LMW) liquid crystalline nanoparticles: microstructures and thermal characteristics

Frank O. Ohwoavworhua1,2,* and James W. Mitchell2

 

1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Howard University, Washington DC, USA

2Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University, Washington DC, USA

 

* Correspondence:Dr. Frank O. Ohwoavworhua, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University, Washington DC, USA. Email: frankohwo@gmail.com.

Abstract

Most research investigations continue to document the utilities of polymeric nanoparticles in drug delivery; however, a large number of these investigations are still at developmental and preclinical stages. Needed advancements for optimizing the benefits of polymeric nanoparticles for drug delivery include enhancing their multifunctional capabilities and the use of lower molecular weight nanomaterials. It is against this background that a low molecular weight, pH-responsive and functionalized liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs) was synthesized. LCNP was further assessed for average molecular weight, particulate and thermal characteristics. The average molecular weight is < 800 as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the Raman spectrum shows that LCNP is bi-functionalized with C=C and COOH groups. The nanoparticles, which are hexagonal shapes, had average diameters of 307 nm and a zeta potential of – 53 mV; and an onset of thermal degradation of 204°C, with a glass transition and melting temperatures of 25°C and 315°C, respectively. We believe that a highly facile process, requiring few reactants, rather than a “cocktail” of compounds, has been developed for the synthesis of functionalized, low molecular weight LCNPs. The use of a few generally regarded as safe (GRAS) reagents, should make this technology a viable candidate for further development.  

Keywords:Nanoparticles, pH-responsive, Low molecular weight,Liquid crystalline nanoparticles, ring-opening-dispersion-polymerization,  thermal properties,  zeta potential.

Author Contributions

*Frank O. Ohwoavworhua (corresponding author: frankohwo@gmail.com) carried out the experimental synthesis and characterizations, as well as wrote the main manuscript. James W. Mitchell supervised the work. Both authors reviewed the manuscript.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests

Funding Source Acknowledgement

None

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