Analyzing a Degradable Natural Polymer-Based Novel Wound Dressing for Use in Biomedical Applications
Presentation Type
Thesis
Department
Biology
Location
Walker Conference Center B
Description
Modern research towards wound dressings has shown that alternatives to standard bandages have proven more successful at healing injuries. One such method is the use of an electrospun fiber mat. Polymers can be spun into a construct that has a random configuration of fibers which closely resembles the architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM), an intricate network of macromolecules that stabilizes the structures of tissues. Furthermore, changing the polymer composition of the mat allows scientists to tailor the nanofibers to facilitate wound healing. Some of the polymers used also have a natural degradation rate that eradicates the need for dressing removal, a desirable property - particularly with respect to internal dressings. In this experiment, the natural polymer alginate was modified to create an ideal compound for wound dressings. Amines similar to amino acids in collagen, a protein found in the ECM, were attached to the alginate to make it biomimetic and to yield free amines which are known to have antibacterial properties. This modified alginate (bAlg) was then oxidized to increase its rate of degradation in physiological conditions. Modified alginate was analyzed via IR and NMR spectroscopy to verify the successful attachment of amines. Percent oxidation was determined through the use of an indicator. Post modification, the biomimetic, oxidized alginate (oxbAlg) was electrospun with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and the fiber mats were analyzed in vitro. Images of the fiber mats were taken via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the average diameters of the fibers were calculated. In vitro cell studies were run over a period of weeks and the effect of the modified alginate on the cells was observed. The degradation rate of the mats was also tested over different time periods. In addition to the above experiments, fiber mats with varying compositions were analyzed for their antimicrobial properties. These materials are anticipated to be used in a variety of future biomedical research applications.
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Analyzing a Degradable Natural Polymer-Based Novel Wound Dressing for Use in Biomedical Applications
Walker Conference Center B
Modern research towards wound dressings has shown that alternatives to standard bandages have proven more successful at healing injuries. One such method is the use of an electrospun fiber mat. Polymers can be spun into a construct that has a random configuration of fibers which closely resembles the architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM), an intricate network of macromolecules that stabilizes the structures of tissues. Furthermore, changing the polymer composition of the mat allows scientists to tailor the nanofibers to facilitate wound healing. Some of the polymers used also have a natural degradation rate that eradicates the need for dressing removal, a desirable property - particularly with respect to internal dressings. In this experiment, the natural polymer alginate was modified to create an ideal compound for wound dressings. Amines similar to amino acids in collagen, a protein found in the ECM, were attached to the alginate to make it biomimetic and to yield free amines which are known to have antibacterial properties. This modified alginate (bAlg) was then oxidized to increase its rate of degradation in physiological conditions. Modified alginate was analyzed via IR and NMR spectroscopy to verify the successful attachment of amines. Percent oxidation was determined through the use of an indicator. Post modification, the biomimetic, oxidized alginate (oxbAlg) was electrospun with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and the fiber mats were analyzed in vitro. Images of the fiber mats were taken via a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the average diameters of the fibers were calculated. In vitro cell studies were run over a period of weeks and the effect of the modified alginate on the cells was observed. The degradation rate of the mats was also tested over different time periods. In addition to the above experiments, fiber mats with varying compositions were analyzed for their antimicrobial properties. These materials are anticipated to be used in a variety of future biomedical research applications.
Comments
The research for this presentation was done in collaboration with Dr. Sharon Hamilton. This presentation is currently embargoed.