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Novel Approaches To Mitigating Bacterial Biofilm Formation And Intercellular Communication, Stephen Kasper Jan 2017

Novel Approaches To Mitigating Bacterial Biofilm Formation And Intercellular Communication, Stephen Kasper

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Long thought of as solitary single-cell organisms, it is now widely accepted that bacteria can act and cooperate as social organisms. Phenomena such as biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) are two intimately intertwined cooperative behaviors that significantly contribute to the pathogenesis of many bacteria. Biofilms are surface associated communities of bacteria encased in a secreted extracellular matrix, which provides several advantages over an individualized lifestyle, such as increased protection from antimicrobial agents as well as enhanced opportunity for the exchange of genetic material. Bacterial QS is a system of population-based communication through the production, sensing, and response to chemical …


Towards A Biomimetic Elastin-Based Nanofiber Scaffold For Salivary Gland Tissue Regeneration And Growth Factor Delivery, Zahraa Ismail Ahmed Foraida Jan 2017

Towards A Biomimetic Elastin-Based Nanofiber Scaffold For Salivary Gland Tissue Regeneration And Growth Factor Delivery, Zahraa Ismail Ahmed Foraida

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Development of electrospun nanofibers that mimic the structural, mechanical and biochemical properties of natural extracellular matrices (ECMs) and the basement membranes is a promising approach for tissue regeneration. Electrospun fibers of synthetic polymers partially mimic the topography of the ECM, however, their high stiffness, poor hydrophilicity and lack of in vivo-like biochemical cues is not optimal for epithelial cell self-organization and function. In search of a biomimetic scaffold for salivary gland tissue regeneration, we utilized proteins and peptides to induce biomechanical and biochemical cues that resembles the native tissue environment. These functional molecules were introduced to our previously-developed poly lactic-co-glycolic …


Development And Characterization Of Adhesive Hydrogels For Stem Cell Culture, Erin Byrne Rousseau May 2016

Development And Characterization Of Adhesive Hydrogels For Stem Cell Culture, Erin Byrne Rousseau

Nanoscale Science & Engineering (discontinued with class year 2014)

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) offer the unique capacity to differentiate into almost any cell type and have sweeping implications in both basic research and clinical applications. However, unregulated differentiation can cause issues, preventing ESCs from entering clinical research. In order to maximize ESC growth, three dimensional culturing has been utilized in order to have results more similar to in vivo conditions. In the case of alginate scaffolds, cell adhesion sites are missing from the matrix, leading to differentiation. We propose that the inclusion of adhesive polymer to the alginate scaffold will increase cell attachment and maintain pluripotency. The polymer …


Bio Roll-Up: Self-Assembling Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering, Chase Austyn Brisbois May 2014

Bio Roll-Up: Self-Assembling Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering, Chase Austyn Brisbois

Nanoscale Science & Engineering (discontinued with class year 2014)

There is an unmet need for controlled, dynamic cell scaffolds that will generate 3-D monolayers of epithelial cells for medical research and tissue engineering. Here we describe a system that uses photoimageable and biocompatible HEMA-based hydrogel bilayers that self-assemble from 2-D substrates into 3-D tube-shaped structures. These structures are patterned on top of another layer that demonstrates an ability to anchor the assembled structure and control the direction and extent of selfassembly. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay which shows material components comparable with the positive control (80-110%). Finally, the masks used in the experiments herein were redesigned to …


Biomacromolecule Conjugated Nanofiber Scaffold For Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering, Kavitha Jayarathanam Jan 2014

Biomacromolecule Conjugated Nanofiber Scaffold For Salivary Gland Tissue Engineering, Kavitha Jayarathanam

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

ABSTRACT :


Advancements Towards Single Site Information Storage And Processing Using Hfo2 Resistive Random Access Memory (Reram), Michael Quinlan Hovish May 2013

Advancements Towards Single Site Information Storage And Processing Using Hfo2 Resistive Random Access Memory (Reram), Michael Quinlan Hovish

Nanoscale Science & Engineering (discontinued with class year 2014)

Resistive Random Access Memory (ReRAM) has attracted much attention among researchers due to its fast switching speeds, lower switching voltages, and feasible integration into industry compatible CMOS processing. These characteristics make ReRAM a viable candidate for next-generation Non- Volatile Memory. Transition-Metal-Oxides have been proven to be excellent materials for ReRAM applications. This work investigates the effect of various, post-deposition anneals (PDA) on the switching parameters of Ni/Cu/HfO2/TiN Resistive Memory Devices (RMD). Results are presented in the form of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant proposal. The use of the SBIR format emphasizes understanding of the experimental design, commercial viability, …


Nb Doped Tio2 As A Cathode Catalyst Support Material For Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, Alexander William O'Toole Jan 2013

Nb Doped Tio2 As A Cathode Catalyst Support Material For Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, Alexander William O'Toole

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

In order to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and reduce dependence on the use of fossil fuels, it is necessary to pursue alternative sources of energy. Transportation is a major contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases due to the use of fossil fuels in the internal combustion engine. To reduce emission of these pollutants into the atmosphere, research is needed to produce alternative solutions for vehicle transportation. Low temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are energy conversion devices that provide an alternative to the internal combustion engine, however, they still have obstacles to overcome to achieve large scale …


Ion Beam Modification Of Single Crystal Sapphire For High Temperature Optical Waveguiding, William Spratt Jan 2013

Ion Beam Modification Of Single Crystal Sapphire For High Temperature Optical Waveguiding, William Spratt

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

High temperature environments (>1000°C) provide a significant challenge for fiber optic based sensing due to the poor physical properties of silica fiber at elevated temperature. Not only does silica soften above 1000°C, but the dopants that are responsible for the refractive index change between the core and cladding diffuse, reducing the fibers effectiveness as a waveguide. Single-crystal sapphire fiber has the potential to supplement fiber sensing at high temperature however sapphire fiber is unclad and no cladding methods exist that withstand high temperatures. In addition to higher losses the lack of a cladding also leads to decreased sensitivity due …


Microfluidic-Assisted Atomic Force Microscopy For The Mechanical Characterization Of Soft Biological Materials, Aaron Peter Mosier Jan 2013

Microfluidic-Assisted Atomic Force Microscopy For The Mechanical Characterization Of Soft Biological Materials, Aaron Peter Mosier

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Viable methods for bacterial biofilm remediation require a fundamental understanding of biofilm mechanical properties and their dependence on dynamic environmental conditions. Mechanical test data, quantifying elasticity or adhesion, may be used to perform physical modeling of biofilm behavior, thus enabling the development of novel remediation strategies. To achieve real-time, dynamic measurements of these properties, a novel analysis platform consisting of a microfluidic flowcell device has been designed and fabricated for in situ analysis using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The flowcell consists of microfluidic channels for biofilm establishment that are then converted into an open …


Micropatterned Electrospun Nanofibrous Substrates As Scaffolds For Engineered Salivary Glands, David Alexander Soscia Jan 2012

Micropatterned Electrospun Nanofibrous Substrates As Scaffolds For Engineered Salivary Glands, David Alexander Soscia

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

The salivary gland is a complex organ exhibiting a branching, 3-dimensional structure made up of acinar (saliva-producing), and ductal (saliva transporting and modifying) epithelial cells. The high surface area of the gland allows it to efficiently provide the mouth with saliva, maintaining oral cleanliness and comfort. Salivary gland hypofunction, a significant clinical problem often caused by the autoimmune disease Sjögren's syndrome or head and neck radiation for cancer patients, affects millions of Americans and is characterized by a loss of function of salivary gland acinar cells. Chronic xerostomia, or dry mouth, arises as a result of salivary gland hypofunction and …