University of New Hampshire
McNair Scholar, 2015
Major: Chemical Engineering
Mentor: Dr. Kyung Jae Jeong
Research Title: Dopamine-modified Bioadhesive to Enhance the Biointegration between Tissues and Medical Implants
Abstract:
Medical implants have been the only viable option for patients who suffer from irreversible loss of tissues or organs. One of the main causes of implant failure is the poor biointgration or lack of it. A bioadhesive applied at the implant-tissue interface can enhance biointegration because it not only forms firm binding between the implant and the tissue but can also facilitate the wound healing process. However, there are currently no surgical glues that are nontoxic, bind strongly to both tissues and implant surfaces, and work well within the environment in the body. In this project, we propose to synthesize dopamine-modified poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) as a biodegradable adhesive which can enhance implant biointegration. PGS is not adhesive but can be chemically modified with dopamine, which has proven to make various polymers adhesive. Our main hypothesis is that dopamine-modified PGS, when combined with the polydopamine coating on the implant, will enhance biointegration by forming strong bonds with both tissues and medical implants. Dopaminemodified PGS will be tested for adhesion strength with medical implant surfaces, the tissues and for its cytotoxicity.
