The 2015 Northern New Jersey Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

57 Pages·2014·0.36 MB·English

by  Jean Patrick Rutgers

The 2015 Northern New Jersey Junior Science and Humanities
Symposium (JSHS)

Paper Titles and Abstracts

Paper Number: 1

Paper Title: Optimizing the conditions to Create Nanosized Particles of a BCS Class II Drug Through Wet
Milling

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
About forty percent common drugs are BCS Class II, meaning that they are bio-available, but poorly soluble,
making them difficult to process in the body. When the particle size of these drugs however, is reduced
below one micron, the body begins to perceive them as soluble. This project optimizes the conditions for wet
milling Fenofibrate, a cholesterol drug, to nano sized particles. The suspension was stabilized with an
optimized amount of E3 Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, HPMC, a thickener to prevent settling during
milling. To prevent re-agglomeration, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, SDS was added as a surfactant up to the
toxicity limit of 0.2wt%. To achieve the minimum particle size, suspension formula and milling time needed to
be determined. The novelty of this project was that it determined the milling time for minimal particle size,
170nm, using only three formulations of HPMC E3while adding the surfactant, SDS, stepwise after milling two
hours. For proof of concept, SDS was added at the start of milling, and run to the determined time
reproducing the same particle size. The optimal stabilized suspension showed no re-agglomeration after
seven days, allowing for the nano particles to be further incorporated into new drug delivery forms.

Paper Number: 2

Paper Title: The Synthesis of Oleic Acid Core Silica Nanoparticles for the Safe Delivery of Enzymes as
Treatment

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
Silica based nanoparticles have the potential to serve as a innovative delivery system, allowing safe transport
of therapeutic compounds on the microscopic scale throughout the human body. Silica based nanoparticles
were prepared by forming a silica matrix around an oleic acid emulsion. Chymotrypsin enzyme was
encapsulated inside. These particles were measured for their breakdown rates of a sample bovine serum
albumin solution and the values were compared against an absorbance calibration curve to determine the
concentration of albumin protein remaining after set intervals of time. The particles’ catabolic process rate
can be determined from the concentration. This rate can be assessed to determine the feasibility of this
therapy. Oleic acid core silica nanoparticles are important due to their increased reaction activity and
enhanced durability, allowing for the breakdown of more compounds in a faster and more stable manner
when compared with solid filled nanoparticles. Enzymes can be delivered in a safe and efficient way using
this method, allowing for a wider range of cures to be developed. This technology can be applied as a
hypothetical treatment for protein related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Amyloidosis, providing
new therapies or safer alternatives to some currently established methods of treatment.

Paper Number: 3

Paper Title: The Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes on the Photodegradation of Methyl Orange for
Wastewater Decontamination

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
Titanium dioxide nanotubes have demonstrated significant potential in the photodegradation of
organic dyes due to its increased surface area than titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The
photocatalyst accelerates the decomposition of dye molecules under ultraviolet radiation. As an
organic dye, methyl orange is expelled from various textile plants as wastewater. Methyl orange,
as part of the azo group, is carcinogenic. In addition, when wastewater containing organic dyes
goes into the stream system, it could potentially harm the aquatic organisms residing in the
stream by altering the chemical composition of its habitat. In this experiment, titanium dioxide
nanotubes were synthesized through the anodization of titanium foil in ethylene glycol and
ammonium fluoride at different voltage. The prepared titanium dioxide nanotubes was viewed
under a scanning electron microscope to confirm its structure. The photodegradation rate of
titanium dioxide nanotubes is compared with that of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The
efficiency of the titanium dioxide nanoparticle turns out to be higher than that of titanium
dioxide nanotubes. This could be due to the insufficient amount of titanium dioxide nanotubes
present on the surface of the titanium foil. Titanium dioxide nanomaterial has the potential to be
used to further decompose other harmful organic molecules from wastewater.

Paper Number: 4

Paper Title: Supercapacitors Development Using the Nanocrystalline Metal Organic Frameworks

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
The high porosity of metal organic frame works(MOFs) has been used to achieve exceptional gas adsorptive
properties but as yet remains largely unexplored for electrochemical energy storage devices. This study
shows that MOFs made as nanocrystals (nMOFs) can be doped with graphene and successfully incorporated
into devices to function as supercapacitors.
A series of 23 different nMOFs with multiple organic functionalities and metal ions, differing pore sizes and
shapes, discrete and infinite metal oxide backbones, large and small nanocrystals, and a variety of structure
types have been prepared and examined. Several members of this series give high capacitance; in particular,
a zirconium MOF exhibits exceptionally high capacitance. It has the stack and areal capacitance of 0.64 and
5.09 mF cm^2, about 6 times that of the supercapacitors made from the benchmark commercial activated
carbon materials and a performance that is preserved over at least 10000 charge/discharge cycles.

Paper Number: 5

Paper Title: EDTA vs. Curcumin: Which is a Better Chelating Agent?

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
Although calcium is the most important mineral in the human body, excessive accumulation of calcium ions
can be potentially harmful. Excessive amounts of calcium can block the walls of arteries, leading to heart
disease. Chelation therapy works by reversing hardening of the arteries due to calcification. Calcium is a
major contributor to the atherosclerotic process. Chelation therapy with EDTA drug is a proven treatment for
removing excess heavy metals, but may also have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, kidney damage, and
pain at the site of EDTA injection. Curcumin is a natural chelating agent and can easily be consumed in food.
This project used the titration method (calcium carbonate solution was individually titrated with EDTA and
curcumin) to test whether curcumin is successfully able to sequester calcium ions, and whether it can be
more effective in doing so than EDTA. The results indicated that more effective and precise methods than the
titrations done here are required to determine whether or not curcumin is an effective chelating agent
compared to EDTA.

Paper Number: 6

Paper Title: Nanoscale 3D Gel Network Regulates Food Intake – The Story of Chia Gel

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
Gels – from bacterial cell walls to the human eye – are ubiquitous in nature, and have expedient applications
in food, cosmetics and drug-delivery. In particular, hydrogels are classified into chemical and physical
hydrogels. Interestingly, Chia (Salvia hispanica) seeds have the unique property to coagulate in water to form
a hydrogel. In the past, Mayan warriors consumed chia seeds with their regular meal to slow down the
digestion process and lengthen the fighting period. This study aims to explore the fundamental science at the
nanoscale level on how Chia seeds form a network. We have found that the seeds are covered with a thin
coat of fibers, and when exposed to water, their polar fibers extend outward and interlace with other
proximate fibers to form a complex 3D network. The natural gel creates a physical barrier between the
carbohydrates (food) entrapped in the gel and the digestive enzymes. Since the enzymes need to cut through
the network fibers to finally reach the entrapped food particles, the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar is
decelerated. This smart gelation process allows the body to save energy, thus, increasing its stamina. Even
more, it can possibly be used as a preventive medication for diabetes.

Paper Number: 7

Paper Title: Investigating the Antibacterial Properties of Essential Oil Component Thymol

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
ABSTRACT: For thousands of years, essential oils have been acclaimed for their antibiotic properties. Several
previous studies attribute the bacteria-killing component of all essential oils to terpenes, hydrocarbons that
are specific to each essential oil. In this experiment, I sought to see how the terpene thymol, which is found
in the essential oil of thyme, a commonly used antibiotic, would be able to effectively prevent E. coli and B.
subtilis growth. Using the agar diffusion method, several test discs containing medicinal antibiotics acting as
the controls and different dilutions of thymol were placed on the bacteria and after time, showed differing
zones of bacterial growth inhibition. My results showed that thymol was able to effectively inhibit growth of
bacteria in a comparable magnitude to medicinal antibiotics, but only at certain dilutions.

Paper Number: 8

Paper Title: Observing Phase Transitions of Ca3(Mn,Ti)2O7 Perovskite Compounds

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
The search for multiferroic materials that can be easily manufactured into low-power electronic devices has
been underway for nearly a decade. Now that theoretical calculations and predictions [2][4] for a naturally
occurring candidate, Ca3Mn2O7, have been explored in depth, experimental data are needed to confirm
these hypotheses and lead the way for further application of multiferroics. Ca3Mn2O7 (CMO) has both
ferroelectric and magnetic properties, but it’s too conductive to perform as an ideal semiconductor in
electronic devices. Ca3Ti2O7 (CTO) is an ideal semiconductor where functional devices are concerned, but it
does not exhibit magnetic properties in addition to its ferroelectricity and so isn’t a multiferroic material. To
create a material exhibiting both ideal semiconductivity and multiferroicity, we doped Ca3Mn2O7 with
different amounts of Ti. We then measured the resistivity of these samples across the 300K to 800K
temperature range to understand the temperature stability of the polar* orthorhombic structure in
Ca3(Mn,Ti)2O7. The right relative amounts of doping could help manufacture multiferroic devices at multiple
temperatures.

Paper Number: 9

Paper Title: Silver Nano-particles and SERS

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
The ability to extract data with accuracy is an essential aspect of scientific research. With the implementation
of Raman scattering techniques, large amounts of data can be collected. Surface Enhanced Raman scattering
spectroscopy (SERS), a more advanced form of Raman scattering (RS), uses metal nano-particles to increase
the intensity of the SERS scattering measurements. By controlling the size, shape, and surface resonance of
metal nano-particles, high quality nano-particles can be produced, significantly increasing the intensity of
SERS measurements of samples. The goal of this research was to control the silver nano-particles synthesis
and determine the size of the nano-particle that yields the most intense SERS measurements as compared to
RS measurements. Under a fume hood, the size and surface resonance of silver nano-particles were
controlled by adjusting the concentration of sodium citrate dehydrate during the synthesis of nano-particles.
Intensity measurements were taken using Rhodamine6G as the sample. Preliminary data shows that nano-
particles observed under the SEM indicated that increased amounts of citrate yielded smaller nano-particles,
around 40-50 nanometers, and increased the intensity of SERS measurements as compared to RS
measurements. With SERS, smaller molecules can be detected which can lead to the early detection of kidney
transplant rejection.

Paper Number: 10

Paper Title: The Inufision Cloning and Expression of the SCF E3 Ligase in E. Coli

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
The SCF (Skp1, Cullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligases-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome system is a
principal intracellular mechanism for controlled protein degradation in eukaryotes. It degrades the protein
labeled by ubiquitin. In infected immunodeficient individuals with Cryptococcus neoformans, fungal SCF
complex targets substrates that elicit the host immune system, which leads to development of deadly
cryptococcosis. In order to identify the substrates that are targeted by the SCF(Fbp1) complex, a part of an in
vitro ubiquitination system was developed, in which the genes that make up the SCF (Skp1, Cu11, F-box)
were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The genes encoding these proteins were first cloned in
an expression vector using infusion cloning through the processes of inoculation, purification, polymerase
chain reaction, enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. Single colonies containing the positive expression
constructs were inoculated on LB medium. The E.coli cultures were amplified and the expression of Skp1,
Cullins, and Fbp1 was induced by isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The induction of gene
expression was detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and
Coommassie blue staining.

Paper Number: 11

Paper Title: Control of Aqueous CO2 Concentration by Temperature-Sensitive Materials for Changing
Osmotic Pressure

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
In a world where nearly 780 million people suffer globally from the limited access to fresh water, scientists’
search for an effective method to procure fresh water has become ever more necessary. Forward osmosis
across semi-permeable membranes has been a promising desalination technique thus far. However,
limitations of the conventional forward-osmosis process using ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) as draw
solute lie within its required high thermal energy input (60°C) and complex recovery process necessary to
remove gaseous NH3 and CO2 from filtered water.
For more efficient osmotic control, we present the new forward-osmosis technique in which we utilized
temperature-sensitive polymers as an alternative for NH4HCO3 using the phenomenon known as lower
critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transition. In pursuance of the desired thermosensitivity, we have
acylated the amine-rich branched polyethylemine (b-PEI) with n-butyric anhydride. Through a delicate
balance between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity dependent on acylation degree, the resulting N-
butyrated b-PEI polymer (nBu-PEI) can bind aqueous CO2 at low temperatures and increase osmotic pressure
but, with a mild temperature change, phase-separate from water and easily remove itself for recycled use.
Hence, with a significantly simpler removal process and lower energy input, nBu-PEI trumps NH4HCO3 as the
ideal draw solute for FO desalination.

Paper Number: 12

Paper Title: Synthesis, Characterization, and Solution Behavior of Mercury Complexes with Biological
Ligands

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
Despite elemental mercury’s fascinating appearance, the compounds it forms are considered to be among
some of the most dangerous toxins known. Found in a variety of items, such as thermometers and dental
amalgams, as well as marine animals, its toxicity has not prevented it from being prevalent in our society. The
most common method in of transmission of mercury is through the food chain. Many fish have a built up
supply of mercury, in the form of methylmercury, in their bodies and is readily consumed in cooked and raw
fish foods. It is believed that the mechanism of mercury poisoning in the body is through the binding of the
sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine and the tripeptide glutathione. Herein this research project, cysteine
and glutathione were used to synthesize methyl-mercury adducts to study their binding modes. With the use
of NMR spectroscopy, their solution behavior was studied and analyzed to determine their chemical
properties in solid and liquid states. We hypothesize that key features of cysteine and glutathione
methylmercury bound compounds are crucial for the detoxification of methylmercury from the body. Our
data shows a correlation between reaction rate and high temperatures indicating an increased exchange
between free glutathione, cysteine and methyl mercury- bound forms. Attempting to understand these
chemical interactions through NMR analysis may lead to further discovery of how to rid methyl-mercury from
the body and reduce its toxic effect if ingested.

Paper Number: 13

Paper Title: The Effect of Polymer Size on the Physical Stability of Milled Drug Nanosuspensions

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
40% or more of new chemical elements (NCEs) have poor water solubility, which reduces the bioavailability
of these drugs. The improvement of solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs has become a
major field of interest for formulation scientists. Wet stirred media milling is a top-down approach to reduce
particle size. Smaller particles, especially nanoparticles, have larger surface area, which results in faster
dissolution rate. A major challenge is to stabilize the nanoparticles during milling-storage, preventing them
from forming aggregates, maintaining large surface area. This study investigated the optimum size and %w/w
of Hydroxyl Propyl Cellulose (HPC) and %w/w surfactant in improving and maintaining the long-term stability
of wet-milled BCS Class II drugs.

Paper Number: 14

Paper Title: Surface Modification Through Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Paper Category: Chemistry (including chemistry-physical, organic, inorganic; earth science-geochemistry;
materials science, alternative fuels)

Paper Abstract:
With dental implants failing due to microbial activity interfering with osseointegration, there is a need for a
stainless steel implant with durable antimicrobial coatings that kill bacteria upon contact. This project studies
the deposition of a durable coating of chitosan on stainless steed surface using the dielectric barrier
discharge (DBD). Chitosan is antimicrobial and biocompatible. Stainless steel surface is first treated with a
DBD plasma. Results have already shown a decrease in the contact angle decreases from 76º to 45º with the
increase in DBD activation time from 0 to 80 seconds. This shows that DBD treatment increases the surface
energy and hence, aids in chitosan deposition. The durability of chitosan is tested through vigorous washing
procedure. The antimicrobial tests use gram-negative E. coli K-12 strain to compare the reduction in CFU of a
DBD-activated slide to the reduction in CFU of slides that have not been activated via DBD. Overall, this
project tests the use of DBD in chitosan deposition with the goal of improving the antimicrobial properties
stainless steel implants.

Paper Number: 15

Paper Title: A Novel Broadband 3 dB 0º/180º Hybrid Coupler

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)

Paper Abstract:
Title of the research: A Novel Broadband 3 dB 0º/180º Hybrid Coupler
Name of the Author: Harry Wang
High School: The Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering
( 520 W. Main St. Rockaway, NJ 07866 )
Research Mentor: George Wang (from Clear Microwave, Inc)
Research Sponsor: Clear Microwave, Inc

The 0º/180º hybrid coupler is a useful circuit element in radio communication systems for both commercial
and military applications. It is widely used in the mixer, multiplier, amplifier and phased array radar antenna,
etc. The traditional study on the 0º/180º hybrid is mainly focused on the Ring Hybrid Coupler, which has the
limitation to achieve broadband application. In this paper, a novel octave band 0º/180º hybrid consisting of
broadside quadrature coupler and a 90° phase shifter in stripline structure is proposed and analyzed. The 90°
phase shifter is simply realized by using multiple shorted quarter-wavelength transmission lines at certain
spacing between each other. This circuit design increases the frequency bandwidth to octave band with good
performance. The simulation results show the phase difference less than 180°±3.5°, amplitude imbalance less
than 0.15 dB, return loss greater than 16.8 dB and the isolation better than 18 dB in the frequency range
from 6 GHz to 12GH. The fabricated circuit on a Rogers RT/duroid substrate is tested at 6-12 GHz frequency
range, which demonstrates good agreement with simulation.

Paper Number: 16

Paper Title: Hierarchically Structured Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds using Various Templates for Bone Grafting

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)

Paper Abstract:
Hierarchically Structured Hydroxyapatite Scaffolds using Various Templates for Bone Grafting
Shannon Oscher
Academy for the Advancement of Science and Technology, Hackensack, NJ
Mentor: Dr. Deok-Yang Kim

Three dimensionally arranged pores found in human bone structures allow them to have fluidity and
continuity to grow osteoblasts and transport nutrient and waste materials throughout its structure, while still
retaining enough mechanical strength to withstand daily activity. Initial attempts of using a salt particulate
leaching method (SPLM) to synthesize scaffolds mimicking the ideal porosity noted before proved that the
complications and time required for such an endeavor were too large. Subsequent attempts at developing a
facile synthesis of hierarchically structured hydroxyapatite (HAP) scaffolds for bone-grafting applications in
orthopedics used ordered micron-sized polystyrene spheres as sacrificial templates in a process similar to the
SPLM. However, one of the most important changes in this procedure was the addition a co-precipitation of
HAP nanocrystals via calcium and phosphate salts directly onto the porogens, rather than layering them as
the SPLM method had suggested. Initial trials demonstrated the importance in understanding the interfacial
conflicts between HAP and polystyrene microspheres with different surface terminations, such as carboxylic
acids. Subsequent analysis of the scaffolding showed that while formation of a hydroxyapatite scaffold with
the embedded polystyrene is possible, future attempts at connectivity with a lower ratio of HAP to
polystyrene may aid in additional porosity.

Paper Number: 17

Paper Title: Facile Fabrication of BaTiO3 Nanogenerator Using Rotational Electrospinning

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)

Paper Abstract:
Facile Fabrication of BaTiO3 Nanogenerator Using Rotational Electrospinning
Mark Sabini
Bergen County Academies, Hackensack, NJ
Teacher: Deok-Yang Kim Mentor/Prof.: Yong Shi, Stevens Institute of Technology

Barium titanate (BTO) has been recently studied as one of lead-free candidate materials for energy-
harvesting nanogenerators (NGs) in miniaturized self-powered devices. While BTO NGs have shown strong
potential in power generation, most of their fabrication methods are proven not to be cost-effective. In this
study, a facile BTO NG fabrication route utilizing BTO sol-gel and rotational electrospinning (RES) has been
investigated to create BTO NGs. Partially-aligned BTO fibers were spun using RES and calcined at 650 oC on a
MgO(sacrificial layer)/SiO2/Si wafer. Then, NGs were assembled by adding gold interdigitated electrodes via
lithography/e-beam deposition and packing with polydimethylsiloxane while lifting NGs from silicon wafer via
etching MgO. Scanning electron microscopy of partially aligned BTO fibers revealed an average angular
deviation of ±16°. Our preliminary result shows that BTO NG can produce a peak voltage of 1.78 V after
poling under an electric field of 10 V/µm for 12 hours. In addition, the BTO NG passed the switching-polarity
test, confirming true piezoelectricity. Our fabrication route simplifies and expedites the BTO NG fabrication
process, bringing NGs closer to widespread availability.
Paper Number: 18

Paper Title: Building an Efficient Piano Playing Robot

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)

Paper Abstract:
The project is a musical robot that will be able to play a song or multiple songs on the piano with one hand.
The information on how to play the song will be stored inside the microcontroller, meaning that the robot
will be programmed in such a way that its fingers will press the piano keys accordingly, depending on the
song. The hand will consist of five fingers and will emulate the human hand as closely as possible. This has
been done already, some robots having 10 fingers on each hand, most robots having two hands playing at the
same time; however, they accomplished that since they had the access to the resources they needed. On the
other hand, at Bergenfield High School, we are limited to using only VEX Robotics parts, which places
restrictions on what we can build. This raises the question: What is the most efficient way of building a piano
playing robot with limited resources? Our hypotheses are explained in this critical essay.

Paper Number: 19

Paper Title: Pt Nanoparticle Supported Oxide Catalysts in Hydrogenation of Hexane

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)

Paper Abstract:
In the 21st century, catalysis aims for 100% selectivity to realize “green chemistry”, producing only one
desired product at high turnover rates and less by-products in multipath reactions. Since heterogeneous
catalysts are mainly prepared by nanoparticles deposited on oxide supports, oxide-metal interfaces have
attracted much attention as an important catalytic site. Selective isomerization toward branched
hydrocarbons is an important process to obtain high-octane gasoline with minimal contents of hazardous
aromatic compounds in oil refining. Hydrogenative reforming of n-hexane has distinct reaction pathways:
isomerization (2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,3-dimethylpentane), cyclization (methylcyclopentane,
cyclohexane), aromatization (benzene), dehydrogenation products (hexene, methylcyclopentene), and
cracking (C1- C5).

Paper Number: 20

Paper Title: The ThereNIM: A Touchless Non-invasive Respiratory Monitor

Paper Category: Engineering; technology (including renewable energies, robotics)