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Synthesis Of Biopolymer Materials Tailored For Biological Applications, Nathan P. Birch
Synthesis Of Biopolymer Materials Tailored For Biological Applications, Nathan P. Birch
Doctoral Dissertations
Biopolymers are able to address a wide variety of medical concerns from chronic wounds to stem cell cultivation to antibacterial and antifouling applications. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible, making them ideal candidates for creating green materials for biological applications. In this thesis, we cover the synthesis of two novel materials from the biopolymers, chitosan and pectin. Chitosan is a biocompatible antibacterial polycation and pectin is an anti-inflammatory polyanion with a strong propensity for hydrogen-bonding. The two chitosan:pectin materials, particles and hydrogels, explore some of the structures that can be created by tuning the electrostatic interactions between chitosan and pectin. …
Biopolymer Electrospun Nanofiber Mats To Inactivate And Remove Bacteria, Katrina Ann Rieger
Biopolymer Electrospun Nanofiber Mats To Inactivate And Remove Bacteria, Katrina Ann Rieger
Doctoral Dissertations
The persistence of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens remains a primary concern for immunocompromised and critically-ill hospital patients. Hospital associated infections can be deadly and reduce the successes of medical advancements, such as, cancer therapies and medical implants. Thus, it is imperative to develop materials that can (i) deliver new antibiotics with accuracy, as well as (ii) uptake pathogenic microbes. In this work, we will demonstrate that electrospun nanofiber mats offer a promising platform for both of these objectives because of their high surface-to-volume ratio, interconnected high porosity, gas permeability, and ability to contour to virtually any surface. To provide …