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Publication Date

2024-5

First Advisor

Maren E. Buck

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Neuroscience

Keywords

hydrogel, translational medicine, peptides, click chemistry, polymers, amine click reactions, azlactone, PVDMA, integrins, collagen, conjugation, RAFT

Abstract

Despite their prevalence, peripheral and central nerve tissue damage are often addressed through interventions that can have unintended lasting impacts on motor or cognitive function. Thus, there exists a need to shift toward using therapeutics that prioritize localized tissue regeneration and minimize functional deficit. This thesis aimed to optimize the development of synthetic-based hydrogels fabricated from poly(2-vinyl-4,4’-dimethyl azlactone) (PVDMA) crosslinked using Jeffamine 600 for use as a tunable biomaterial. Reproducible bioinert hydrogel networks were synthesized using controlled radical polymerization. The swelling capabilities of these hydrogels were characterized to ascertain their physical and chemical tunable potential. An engineered collagen IA peptide was conjugated to these hydrogel networks using amine click chemistry to promote cell adhesion on the hydrogel surface. This would allow the hydrogel to act as a biomimetic scaffold in regions with nerve damage. Preliminary results demonstrated that PVDMA-Jeffamine 600 hydrogels can be a conducive environment for cell adhesion and proliferation. This thesis illustrates the potential for PVDMA-Jeffamine 600 hydrogels to act as a therapeutic in treating nerve tissue damage from a translational perspective.

Rights

©2024 Sophia Dhanani. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

60 pages: colors illustrations. Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-55).

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