Expertise
Nanochemistry, cellulose nanocrystals, synthesis, characterization

Instrumentation
FTIR; 400 MHz NMR, UV-VIS, DSC, Zeta Sizer, Fluorescence spectroscopy

Background & Research Interest
Research in the Sunasee laboratory combines aspects of organic synthesis and nanotechnology (nanochemistry) for the design and synthesis of functional nanomaterials for various applications. Currently, our nanomaterial of interest is cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a promising renewable nanomaterial with unique properties and great potential applications in both academic and industrial sectors. Our initial work in this area focussed on covalent surface modifications of CNCs for the design of novel CNCs-based functional materials for biomedical and other applications. The toxicity and immunogenicity of these modified CNCs are also investigated in detail (work in collaboration with Dr. Ckless's laboratory). Current application areas of CNCs include Vaccine adjuvants, antimicrobial agents and water purification.