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Optimization Of Conditions For Production Of Mechanically Strong Suckerin Protein Hydrogels, Autumn Furniss
Optimization Of Conditions For Production Of Mechanically Strong Suckerin Protein Hydrogels, Autumn Furniss
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
Hydrogels are polymer networks with a large water content. Uses include biomedical applications like drug delivery, wound dressing, and more. Current natural hydrogels lack mechanical robustness. Squid ringed teeth (completely protein) have a modulus comparable to thermoplastics; adding this to hydrogels could improve modulus while maintaining biocompatibility.
Three experiments were performed: Hofmeister solubility study, SRT powder additive, and SRT aqueous solution. The first showed that LiCl solution without acetic acid dissolved the most SRT; overall LiCl dissolved more than all others. SRT as a powder additive increased the modulus of the hydrogels, however the error in the measurements make it …