Active matter for removal of biofilm and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Deng, Yu-Heng

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/115887 Copy

Description

Title

Active matter for removal of biofilm and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

Author(s)

Deng, Yu-Heng

Issue Date

2022-07-06

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kong, Hyunjoon

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Kong, Hyunjoon

Committee Member(s)

• Boppart, Stephen A
• Flaherty, David W
• Kraft, Mary L

Department of Study

Chemical & Biomolecular Engr

Discipline

Chemical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Biofilm
• BPA

Abstract

Biofilm and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are critical environmental problems that impact human’s health. Although a number of strategies have been proposed to address these issues, the recurrence of biofilm and endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the environment keep exerting adverse effects on our daily lives. To this end, the overall goal of my research is to develop a system of active matter for the removal of biofilm and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In this dissertation, Chapter 1 discusses the methodologies of active matter fabrication, the fundamental issues caused by biofilm and endocrine-disrupt chemicals, and the current constraints in the removal of these two issues. Chapter 2 presents the design of active matter, so-called self- locomotive, antimicrobial microrobot (SLAM), and explains its mechanism to eliminate biofilm from target bio-fouled structures. Based on the findings in Chapter 2, Chapter 3 investigates how to prevent biofilm recurrence by constructing a collective analysis to understand the biofilm composition. Chapter 4 further explores how SLAM can be applied as a micro-cleaner to remove endocrine-disrupting chemicals through its intrinsic oxidation capability, along with in vitro studies that examines the toxicity of endocrine-disrupting chemicals after the treatments. Lastly, Chapter 5 summarizes the key findings through Chapter 2 to Chapter 4 and proposes the directions for future investigations.

Graduation Semester

2022-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2022 Yu-Heng Deng

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