Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Karen Lozano

Second Advisor

Horacio Vasquez

Third Advisor

Ali Ashraf

Abstract

This thesis explores the fabrication, characterization, and applications of nanofiber membranes utilizing Forcespinning® technology. Two distinct nanofiber systems were developed and evaluated, one focusing on pH-responsive Eudragit-baicalin loaded nanofibrous membranes for wound healing and the second one on thermo-responsive nanofiber-hydrogel (PNIPAAm) systems for biosensing applications, specifically dopamine detection. In the first project, nanofiber membranes loaded with Eudragit and baicalin demonstrated superior antibacterial properties against both gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (B. meg) bacteria. Additionally, these membranes exhibited antioxidant properties and enhanced cell proliferation of 3TT cells, making them promising candidates for wound healing dressings. In the second project, a thermo-responsive nanofiber-hydrogel system was developed by crosslinking PNIPAAm with BIS-AIBN-CNT. The resulting hydrogel, integrated with fibrous membranes, demonstrated improved conductivity compared to the nanofiber alone. Furthermore, this hybrid system exhibited the ability to detect dopamine concentrations in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests, showcasing its potential for biosensing applications. The comprehensive characterization of both fiber membranes using SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and UV spectrometry contribute to a thorough understanding of their structural and chemical properties. These findings contribute to the advancement of nanofiber technology, presenting versatile materials with significant potential in wound healing and biosensing applications. The combined utilization of Forcespinning™ technology and a comprehensive characterization approach provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of nanofiber membranes for multifunctional purposes.

Comments

Copyright 2023 Dipasree Bhowmick. All Rights Reserved.

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