SYNTHESIZING, CHITOSAN COATING AND DETECTING THE NANOTOXIC EFFECT OF THE LEAD SELENIDE (PbSe) QUANTUM DOTS

Researches on nano-structured materials (<100 nm) are increasing rapidly in the direction of technological developments. Synthesis and modification of quantum dots, known as nanomaterials and nanocrystals, have become an important aspect of nanotechnology. The reason for this is that it has many potential applications in the field, including biomedicine and pharmacology. The unique properties and biological effects of nanostructured particles indicate that they can potentially be used as an alternative in the treatment of various diseases. In this work, PbSe quantum dots were synthesized by chemical method and modified by chitosan coating. The characterization of PbSe was done by TEM, SEM, XRD, DLS and Zeta potential analysis methods. When the morphological structures of the quantum dots obtained by chemical synthesis were examined, round and spherical nano-sized particles (<20 nm) of all PbSe were obtained according to TEM and SEM results. It has been seen that PbSe quantum dots have a positive (+) surface charge and are highly stable (40 + mV). In addition, the increase in oxidation resistance of PbSe coated with chitosan was found in XRD results. As a result of this research, small size and biopolymer coated and thus more stable quantum dots could be obtained. It has also been found that PbSe quantum dots coated with biopolymers like chitosan may have the potential to be used in pharmacology and biomedical applications.