EES Seminar – Sustainable Lignocellulosic Nanomaterials and their Toxicity to Microorganism, Andreia Faria, UF

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Access to safe and clean water is one of the most significant challenges faced in this century. The growing global population, increasing food demand, drought, and climate change are all contributing factors to freshwater scarcity. Carbon-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, have been widely utilized in water purification applications. However, the production processes for these materials often involve toxic chemicals or are complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, these carbon-based alternatives may present limitations that affect their scalability or pose potential environmental risks. In light of the demand for more sustainable solutions, our research group at the University of Florida has investigated the use of lignocellulosic nanomaterials for water purification. Our focus has been on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and lignin nanoparticles (LNPs), which are highly hydrophilic nanoparticles derived from plant-based cellulose through straightforward aqueous treatments. In this upcoming presentation, I will elaborate on the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of CNCs and LNPs, emphasizing the potential mechanisms of action associated with these materials. I will also highlight the potential conversion of sustainable materials (e.g., lignin and chitin) into light-active nanomaterials that can be used as catalysts for various applications in environmental engineering. Additionally, I will provide a general overview of current projects in our lab and discuss potential future research directions.

Dr. Faria is a tenure-track assistant professor at the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences at the University of Florida (UF). Before joining (UF), she was a former postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at Yale University under the supervision of Prof. Menachem Elimelech. Her research interests include the development of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) to improve water treatment and water quality monitoring. Over her research career, she has published 45 peer-reviewed articles in highly ranked journals, two patents, three book chapters, and has participated in numerous conferences. She believes that a multidisciplinary effort that integrates the areas of chemistry, biology, computing, and engineering can help us find innovative solutions to environmental problems.