02/10/2025
By Kwok Fan Chow

The Kennedy College of Science, Department of Chemistry, invites you to attend a Ph.D. dissertation defense by Shayesteh Tafazoli entitled “Advanced Polymer Architectures: From Smart Nanocarriers to Environmental Remediation and Sustainable Materials.”

Degree: Doctoral
Location: Olney Hall, Room 518
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 2 p.m.

Committee Chair:
James Reuther, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members:
James Whitten, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Marina Ruths, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Yuyu Sun, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Abstract:
This dissertation explores the development of advanced polymeric materials for applications in drug delivery, environmental remediation, 3D cell culture, and sustainable polymers. Utilizing photo-controlled atom transfer radical polymerization (Photo-ATRP) and dynamic covalent chemistry, this research presents innovative strategies for synthesizing functional polymeric architectures with tailored properties.

In the first study, multi-stimuli-responsive nanogels were designed using Photo-ATRP-induced self-assembly (PhotoATR-PISA). These nanogels incorporated orthogonal reversible covalent crosslinks, enabling precise control over cargo release through pH, redox, and light stimuli. The second study leveraged cationic nanoparticle networks for the efficient removal of microplastics, nanoplastics, and perfluorinated pollutants from water, demonstrating high adsorption capacities across diverse water conditions. The third study extended this approach to develop nanoparticle-based gel networks for capturing small organic contaminants such as phenanthrene, offering a sustainable remediation platform. In the fourth study, a transparent, stimuli-responsive hydrogel scaffold was synthesized for 3D cell culture. This system provided a tunable microenvironment with controlled gelation and degradation properties, facilitating easy cell recovery while maintaining structural integrity. Lastly, the fifth study introduced a dynamic conjugate acceptor (DCA)-based vitrimer strategy for polyurethane recycling. By incorporating DCA chemistry into commercial polyurethane networks, this approach enabled the fabrication of recyclable and reprocessable thermoset materials without the need for solvents or catalysts, offering a scalable solution for sustainable polymer applications.

Collectively, this research advances the field of polymer science by integrating precision polymerization and dynamic covalent chemistry to engineer functional, responsive, and sustainable materials for biomedical, environmental, and industrial applications.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend.