Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
12-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
First Advisor
Dr. Javier Macossay-Torres
Second Advisor
Dr. James Bullard
Third Advisor
Dr. Elamin Ibrahim
Abstract
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most common knee injuries. Current ACL reconstructive strategies consist of using an autograft or an allograft to replace the ligament. However, limitations have led researchers to investigate tissue engineered grafts, known as scaffolds, through electrospinning. Scaffolds made of natural and synthetic polymer blends have the potential to promote cell adhesion while having strong mechanical properties. However, enzymes found in the knee are known to degrade tissues and affect the healing of intra-articular injuries. Results suggest that the natural polymers used in this study modify the thermal properties and tensile strength of the synthetic polymers when blended. Scanning electron micrographs display bead-free and enzyme biodegradability of the fibers. Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of the natural and synthetic polymers in the scaffolds, while amino acid analysis displays the types of amino acids and their concentrations found in the natural polymers.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2013 Vanessa Lizeth Garcia. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/electrospinning-polymer-blends-biomimetic/docview/1502845586/se-2