Project Hydrolytically degradable microparticles for biomedical applications Program Engineering Term Academic Year 2024 Status Closed Research Area biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery Description Biodegradability is an important parameter in biomaterials design, with implications for drug delivery and tissue engineering. While various degradable polymers have been developed, precisely tuning the rate of degradation to range from days to months has been challenging. Here, we will develop hyaluronic acid (HA)-based polymeric hydrogels that are chemically modified to confer hydrolytic degradability. Specifically, by varying the amounts of dialdehyde groups on the HA backbone, in combination with covalent crosslinking via norbornene groups with enhanced susceptibility to hydrolysis, we will aim to achieve tunable degradation profiles. Esterification and oxidation reactions will be used to chemically modify HA to introduce norbornene (via carbic anhydride) and dialdehyde (via sodium periodate) groups, respectively. Gelation properties will be determined using oscillatory shear rheology with dynamic light exposure and mechanical properties will be characterized using uniaxial compression testing. The polymers will be used to make microgels using a flow-focusing microfluidic device. Microgel mass swelling ratio, morphology, and degradation via release of a fluorescent label will be characterized over time. Supervisor Taimoor Hasan Qazi Mentor Taimoor Hasan Qazi Type of work required Perform wet lab research
Collect, analyze, and compile data
Websites www.qazi-lab.com Qualifications prior work with polymer synthesis, microfluidics, hydrogel fabrication and characterization Credit Hours 3 Weekly Hours 10 (estimated)