Studies into Solvatochromic Nile Red as a Model Bioactive Agent: Removal by Chitin Compared to Chitosan

Langer, Keesha (2017) Studies into Solvatochromic Nile Red as a Model Bioactive Agent: Removal by Chitin Compared to Chitosan. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Syntheses of a Nile Red derivative were attempted by two different methods. Thin Layer Chromatography, Dry Column Chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were used to determine whether the syntheses were successful. Pure purchased Nile Red was used to determine solvatochromism in various solvents using full wavelength scans on the Beckman Coulter DU720 General Purpose UV/Vis instrument. Test tube tests were conducted using chitin and chitosan separately by two methods, centrifuging and shaking, to determine if chitin or chitosan could sorb the Nile Red in 80:20 methanol: water solution. The shaking method involved four minutes shaking and two hours sitting, while the centrifuge protocol after a period of standing involved four minutes in the centrifuge and one hour standing. Once each test tube was done setting; the solution was extracted and was analysed by full wavelength scans on the Beckman Coulter DU720 General Purpose UV/Vis instrument. Results were analysed by comparing maximum absorbance and Freundlich Isotherm plots for each of the chitin/chitosan in 80:20 methanol: water Nile Red solution test tube tests for linearity and absorption capacity. The Nile Red binding to chitin and/or chitosan was used as a model for chitin/chitosan uptake of bioactive agents for potential wastewater treatment.

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