WANVIMOL PASANPHAN, Assistant Professor

Polymers, nanotechnology and radiation processing laboratory framework is to provide the state-of-the-art productions in synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanostructures towards the applications in biomedicine, agriculture, construction, environment and industry. To address our activities, the laboratory has developed research expertise on modification of polymers using chemical, radiochemical and photochemical processes. High-energy electron beam, charge particle and gamma-ray irradiation including UV curing system are used to facilitate the synthesis and creation of the future fashion innovative materials and technology.

To date, the research activities include production of synthetic and natural polymeric nanoparticles, core-shell nanostructure, nanoporous, hydrogel, nanogel, and scaffold. Bulk and surface functionalizations to approach encapsulation and controlled-release, antimicrobials, antioxidation, radiation protection, water-oil repellent and super-water adsorbent have been focused. Toward biomedical purposes, creating nanocarriers for anticancer drugs and radioactive substances toward diagnosis and therapy are emphasized. Besides, biodegradable polymeric nanomaterials for agrochemicals, e.g., fertilizers (N P K), pesticides, and fungicides are also fabricated for agricultural applications. Through the international coordinated research, we recently published the radiation-engineering green technology to produce polysaccharide core-shell nanoparticles for controlled-release of anticancer. In conjunction with the international organization, we are pursuing the production of nanosized delivery systems for radiopharmaceuticals to bring about a paradigm shift in the early detection and therapy.

In addition to carry forward the products from bio-based polymers, fabricating novel polymeric nano-fillers for polylactic acid (PLA) and natural rubber blends, composites and curing are also currently focused.

Research collaborations and funding opportunities are available with a wide range of partners from national and international universities including professional organizations.

Selected Publications

1. W. Pasanphan, T. Rattanawongwiboon, P. Rimdusit, T., Piroonpan, “Radiation-induced graft copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate onto deoxycholate-chitosan nanoparticles as a drug carrier”, Radiat. Phys. Chem., 2014, 94: 199–204.

2. Rattanawongwiboon, K. Haema, W. Pasanphan, “Stearyl methacrylate-grafted-chitosan nanoparticle as a nanofiller for PLA: Radiation-induced grafting and characterization”, Radiat. Phys. Chem., 2014, 94: 205–210.

3. W. Pasanphan, S. Choofong, P. Rimdusit, “Deoxycholate-chitosan nanoparticles fabricated by gamma-irradiation and chemical modification: nanoscale synthesis and controlled studies”, J.Appl. Polym. Sci., 2012, 123: 3309-3320.

4. W. Pasanphan, P. Rimdusit, S. Choofong, T. Piroonpan, S. Nilsuwankosit, “Systematic fabrication of chitosan nanoparticle by gamma irradiation”, Radiat. Phys. Chem., 2010, 79: 1095-1102.

5. W. Pasanphan, G.B. Buettner, S. Chirachanchai, “Chitosan gallate as a novel potential polysaccharide antioxidant: an EPR study”, Carbohydr. Res, 2010, 345: 132-140.