Smart polymeric nanocomposites tailored for targeted delivery, protein separation and biofilm disruption

Fabrication and biomedical applications of polymeric nanomaterials are described. In the first study, transdermal delivery of insulin via rGO confined hydrogels is reported. rGO impregnated PEG-based hydrogels were fabricated by photo-induced FRP of PEGDMA monomers. Hydrogels loaded with insulin were used for on-demand drug release exploiting photothermal heating ability of rGO in the hydrogel matrix upon exposure to NIR irradiation. In the second part, functionalization of rGO with clickable maleimide group is reported. Maleimide was conjugated with a thiol bearing targeting peptide, and a chemotherapy drug was loaded on the surface of rGO via non-covalent interactions. Targeted delivery and cancer cell killing ability of doxorubicin loaded rGO were then evaluated. In the third part, selective cell targeting and imaging with polymer coated MNPs are studied. The surface of MNPs was modified with clickable groups which were further conjugated with a targeting peptide and an imaging agent. Cell targeting and internalization were achieved with these MNPs. In the fourth part, lectin separation using polymer coated MNPs is investigated. The surface of these MNPs was modified with adamantane group, and supramolecular host-guest interactions were exploited for binding of $\beta$-CD-sugar conjugates. A specific lectin from a mixture was separated by sugar containing MNPs. Final work describes phytochemical containing polymer NCs for eradication of MDR biofilms. A biodegradable and clickable amphiphilic copolymer was used to stabilize carvacrol oil-in-water emulsion. Biofilm disruption ability of these NCs was evaluated on different MDR biofilms. In summary, potential bio-applications of various nano-constructs was evaluated.