Undergrad Research at the Center for Affordable Nanoengineering of Polymeric Biomedical Devices (Summer REU)
Currently most nanotechnology research remains exploratory, and commercialization is hindered by a great need for mass-producible, reliable, and affordable manufacturing processes. The center is expected to make major breakthroughs in developing affordable manufacturing methods to form, reinforce, bond, and assemble polymer structures at the nanoscale for biomedical and other applications.
The following projects were completed at the Summer 2006 REU:
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Mechanical Properties of an Electrospun Tissue ScaffoldStudent: Akia Scruggs
Professor: Stuart Cooper
Funding: NSEC REU
I investigated the effects of electrospinning on thirty terpolymer specimens composed of various concentrations of hexylmethacrylate (HMA), methylmethacrylate (MMA), and methacrylic acid (MAA). Each electrospun and film sample underwent tensile testing and void fraction to compare their mechanical properties. In all, electrospun samples provided weaker mechanical properties than their film counterparts but higher percent elongations. Also, more free volume was incorporated into the electrospun MMA-rich polymer material.
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Nanoporous Drug Delivery Devices Based on Biodegradable Polymers Student: Carol Lee
Professor: L. James Lee
Funding: NSEC REU
During drug administration, it is important to make sure the drugs are properly protected and accurately controlled. Two major restrictions of existing delivery devices are that the drugs are not fully protected and that they cannot be released at a controllable rate over an extended period of time. By creating a biodegradable reservoir with a nanoporous membrane to envelop the drug, it is possible that the drug could be delivered at a controlled, predetermined rate.
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The Potential Benefits and Harms Related to Using
Nanotechnology to Create Improvements in Biomedical Devices
Student: Ben Syzek
Professor: Barbara Wyslouzil
Funding: NSEC REU
Nanotechnology has the potential to significantly improve biomedical devices, which in turn will provide a vast number of health-related benefits to humankind. However, the nanotechnology used to make such improvements also has the potential to cause harm to both humans and the environment. My research focused on identifying the potential benefits and harms that could result from using nanotechnology to create such improvements.
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Microfluidic Magnetic Particle ManipulationStudent: Andrew Williams
Professor: L. James Lee
Funding: NSEC REU
Detecting rare biomolecules (e.g. nano- or picomolar) permits earlier detection of disease, bioweapons, or other important biological markers, resulting in improved health and saved lives.
Magnetic techniques for separating rare cell populations are well-understood and effective, but physical limitations prevent direct conversions of these systems to protein separations. To sort proteins, we must overcome physical “noise,” such as Brownian motion, by scaling down to nanoscale.
We are studying the dynamics of magnetic microparticle flow within microfluidic architectures in order to develop a magnetic microscale particle sorter. The principles we elucidate will facilitate scale-down to nanoscale. Smaller dimensions allow for more sensitive detection capability.
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Insulin Particle Formation Using Supercritical CO2
Student: Laura Ensign
Professor: David Tomasko
Funding: NSEC REU
It has been proven that certain medications, such as insulin, can be effectively administered by a pulmonary route. Particle size is very critical for reliable dosage levels. Current methods for particle formation, such as grinding or milling, are unsuitable for biological materials. The Aerosol Solvent Extraction System (ASES) process uses supercritical fluids to replace these mechanical techniques for producing insulin particles of a nominal 1-5 micron diameter.
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