Silk fibroin nanostructured materials for biomedical applications.
Mitropoulos, Alexander.
2015
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Abstract: Nanostructured biopolymers have proven to be promising to develop
novel biomedical applications where forming structures at the nanoscale normally occurs by
self-assembly. However, synthesizing these structures can also occur by inducing materials
to transition into other forms by adding chemical cross-linkers, changing pH, or changing
ionic composition. Understanding the generation ... read moreof nanostructures in fluid environments,
such as liquid organic solvents or supercritical fluids, has not been thoroughly examined,
particularly those that are based on protein-based block-copolymers. Here, we examine the
transformation of reconstituted silk fibroin, which has emerged as a promising biopolymer
due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of functionalization, into
submicron spheres and gel networks which offer applications in tissue engineering and
advanced sensors. Two types of gel networks, hydrogels and aerogels, have small pores and
large surface areas that are defined by their structure. We design and analyze silk
nanoparticle formation using a microfluidic device while offering an application for drug
delivery. Additionally, we provide a model and characterize hydrogel formation from
micelles to nanoparticles, while investigating cellular response to the hydrogel in an in
vitro cell culture model. Lastly, we provide a second model of nanofiber formation during
near-critical and supercritical drying and characterize the silk fibroin properties at
different drying pressures which, when acting as a stabilizing matrix, shows to improve the
activity of entrapped enzymes dried at different pressures. This work has created new
nanostructured silk fibroin forms to benefit biomedical applications that could be applied
to other fibrous proteins.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2015.
Submitted to the Dept. of Biomedical Engineering.
Advisor: Fiorenzo Omenetto.
Committee: David Kaplan, Marc Hodes, and Ann Anderson.
Keywords: Biomedical engineering, and Materials Science.read less - ID:
- b5645351t
- Component ID:
- tufts:21493
- To Cite:
- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
