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University of Connecticut

Honors Scholar Theses

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Inflammation

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Alternate Formulations For Optimization Of Plga Microsphere-Comprised Glucose Biosensor Coating Against Foreign Body Inflammation., Klair Lubonja May 2015

Alternate Formulations For Optimization Of Plga Microsphere-Comprised Glucose Biosensor Coating Against Foreign Body Inflammation., Klair Lubonja

Honors Scholar Theses

In this study, dexamethasone loaded PLGA microsphere/PVA hydrogel composites were explored as an outer drug-eluting coating for implantable biosensors to provide defense against acute inflammation of the foreign body response. The microspheres, with a dexamethasone release target period of approximately two weeks, were manufactured under various conditions: different co-solvents and homogenization speeds. Particle size measurement, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were performed for all the microsphere formulations prepared. The addition of acetone as a co-solvent for dexamethasone, at normal homogenization speeds, shows promise for the improvement of drug loading and the attainment of superior release profiles. PLGA microsphere/PVA …


Investigating The Bioactive Constituents Of The Edible Blue-Green Alga Spirulina Platensis, Georgette Appiah-Pippim May 2015

Investigating The Bioactive Constituents Of The Edible Blue-Green Alga Spirulina Platensis, Georgette Appiah-Pippim

Honors Scholar Theses

More people die annually from cardiovascular disease than from any other cause. Two risk factors for cardiovascular disease are hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Current drugs that are prescribed to regulate lipid levels often have adverse effects such as liver dysfunction. Blue-green algae (BGA), also known as cyanobacteria, have been consumed for years for their health benefits because they are believed to increase energy and prevent disease. One genus of edible blue-green algae is Spirulina plantesis (SP, Spirulina). Various studies have shown that Spirulina may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties. In a previous study, Spirulina platensis lowered triglyceride and cholesterol …


The Effect Of Polyphenol-Rich Black Currant Extract On Lipogenic And Inflammatory Gene Expression In Diet Induced Obesity Mice, Ellen Harness Apr 2015

The Effect Of Polyphenol-Rich Black Currant Extract On Lipogenic And Inflammatory Gene Expression In Diet Induced Obesity Mice, Ellen Harness

Honors Scholar Theses

Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia frequently occur in obese population. As chronic, low-grade inflammation is closely associated with obesity, we investigated if polyphenol-rich blackcurrant extract (BCE) can prevent inflammation and diet-induced metabolic disturbances in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were given a modified AIN-93M control diet containing high fat/high cholesterol (16% fat, 0.25% cholesterol by weight) or the same diet supplemented with 0.1% BCE (wt/wt) for 12 weeks. No significant differences in total body weight or liver weight occurred between the two groups. BCE-fed mice had fewer crown-like structures (CLS) with concomitant decreases in mRNA abundance of F4/80, CD68, and inhibitor of nuclear …