Date of Award

5-31-2026

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Michelle Foster

Abstract

This work explores the use of cyclodextrin-based anchoring groups to functionalize eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) nanoparticles for advanced biological applications. A variety of analytical methods are used to investigate the effects of various functionalized cyclodextrin derivatives on the physical and chemical characteristics of the EGaIn nanoparticles. Notably, the impacts of surface modification are shown by evaluating the colloidal stability and size distribution of the nanoparticles using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provides the morphological characterization, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to evaluate the mechanical stiffness of the oxide shell. Additionally, interactions between cyclodextrin functional groups and the surface of the core–shell EGaIn nanoparticles are demonstrated by Raman and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFTS) spectroscopy. The study we conducted indicates that cyclodextrin modifications enhance nanoparticle stability, size control, and surface characteristics, illustrating their potential for enhancing EGaIn-based nanocarriers for drug delivery and medical diagnosis. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indirectly ascertains the shell thickness via stiffness determined by analyzing the force-distance curves during interaction between the tip and the sample surface. Furthermore, Raman and DRIFTS revealed the successful attachment of cyclodextrin molecules onto the gallium oxide shell of the nanoparticles. This study highlights the crucial role of cyclodextrin functionalization in optimizing EGaIn nanoparticles for enhanced targeted therapeutics and biomedical applications.

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