Alexander Richter
| PhD, Chemical Engineering, 2016 North Carolina State University M. S., Chemical Engineering, 2012 North Carolina State University B.S Environmental, Biotechnology Engineering with emphasis on Environmental Engineering, 2009 MCI University, Austria Curriculum Vitae |  |
Research Focus: Environmentally Benign Nanoparticles
There has been a growing interest in replacing current non-biodegradable nanosystems with environmentally benign biopolymer based ones to minimize post-utilization hazards due to persistent nanomaterial waste. Lignin and cellulose-based nanoparticles (NPs) are biodegradable, environmentally benign, and may be potentially employed as foam and emulsion stabilizers, as drug delivery system, and as matrices for environmental remediation systems.
Synthesis, Characterization and Functionalization
We have developed means of synthesizing Environmentally benign Nanoparticles (EbNPs) in a simple, inexpensive, and non-toxic way. We used Indulin AT (IAT) lignin and applied environmentally friendly acid precipitation technology for EbNP synthesis. By utilizing the ethylene glycol (EG)-water based pH drop method we were able to obtain IAT EbNPs with increased pH stability ranging from pH 4.0 to 9.0. We hypothesize that the pH stability of these EbNPs is due to a favorable molecular stacking facilitated by EG prior to precipitation. Post-synthesis treatment options for fabrication of antimicrobial suspensions have been explored and formulated. NC State Invention 12275, patent pending.
Development of Triggered Disassembly Nano Aggregates
We are developing novel nano aggregate systems with triggered disassembly (TDNAs). TDNAs are synthesized from FDA approved materials and are suitable for medical applications. NC State Invention 13121.
Publications
Patents (including pending)
US14/202,259: Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles
PCT/US2014/022382: Functionalized environmentally benign nanoparticles
Startup Company