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Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)
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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Mechanical Characterization Of Spherical Hydrogels: Contact Diameter Measurement, Joshua Bunch
Mechanical Characterization Of Spherical Hydrogels: Contact Diameter Measurement, Joshua Bunch
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)
In an effort to develop new ophthalmic treatments revolving around the ocular lens, the mechanical characteristics of natural ocular lenses and synthetic models must be determined and compared. One mechanical characteristic that is necessary when making comparisons is the variation of contact circle diameter or contact area with varying strains. A method was used in this experiment to measure the varying contact circle diameter of spherical hydrogels at strains up to 15%. This method could be used to estimate the varying contact diameter of other similar materials such as natural ocular lenses if the precision of the method is improved. …
Nanoparticles For Enhanced Delivery Of Chemotherapeutics, Emily J. Bahram-Ahi
Nanoparticles For Enhanced Delivery Of Chemotherapeutics, Emily J. Bahram-Ahi
Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)
Delivery of the anticancer drug paclitaxel (commercially known as Taxol®) is difficult due to its limited solubility in aqueous media. This study proposes a novel bubble bursting technique to generate nanoparticles of the chemotherapeutic in an effort to decrease potential side effects and improve the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. The bubble bursting apparatus will be used to produce nanoparticles of a biodegradable polymer, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), as carriers for paclitaxel. The dissolved paclitaxel in this biodegradable polymer matrix will be released at a controlled rate for a more efficient delivery of the drug throughout the body.