The Library
Preparation of synthetic extracellular matrix from nanocomposite hydrogels
Tools
Li, Zehua (2020) Preparation of synthetic extracellular matrix from nanocomposite hydrogels. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.
|
PDF
WRAP_Theses_Li_Z_2020.pdf - Submitted Version - Requires a PDF viewer. Download (16Mb) | Preview |
Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3517403~S15
Abstract
Hydrogels based on biopolymers, such as alginate, are used as scaffolds in tissue engineering applications because they mimic the features of the native extracellular matrix (ECM). However, naturally derived alginate hydrogels present with poor mechanical performance and a lack of functionality that hinders favourable communication with biological molecules. Herein, we exploit the crystallisation-driven self-assembly (CDSA) platform to prepare well-defined one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) structures with controlled length and size to replace the fibrillar collagen in the native ECM and thus improve the mechanical strength of alginate-based hydrogels.
Chapter One gives a brief introduction to the research described in this thesis with a description of the synthetic nanocomposite hydrogel concept and its application as a surrogate for mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue. Then, a general introduction to controlled polymerisation techniques that can be implemented to afford multi-block copolymers is presented. Finally, the assembly of block copolymers to defined nanostructures via crystallisation-driven self-assembly (CDSA) is described.
Chapter Two discusses the use of various poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-based triblock copolymers to explore their self-assembly into one-dimensional (1D) cylindrical structures with controllable widths and lengths by changing polymer chain lengths and using the epitaxial growth method, respectively. Then, the obtained cylinders with controlled lengths are introduced in alginate hydrogels to yield nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties by up to 37%.
Chapter Three utilizes poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-based cationic triblock copolymer to prepare 1D polycationic cylindrical micelles of controlled lengths using the epitaxial growth method. The use of polycationic cylinders with controllable lengths in alginate hydrogel nanocomposites is explored, where the significant increase in shear strength by up to 51% is measured. Then, the antibiotic activity of polycationic cylindrical micelles are evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay against several different bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Additionally, an end group modification of neutral poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-based triblock copolymers by using cationic monomer 2-(tert-butylaminoethyl) methacrylate (TA) is described, followed by the formation of 1D cylindrical micelles with controlled lengths via epitaxial growth. Then, the antibacterial performance of the modified cylinders is also investigated.
Chapter Four discloses a facile methodology for the self-assembly of poly(L-lactide)-based amphiphiles to prepare uniform two-dimensional (2D) rhombic nanostructures with controllable sizes by adjusting the solubility of unimers during the spontaneous nucleation process in CDSA. The mechanical properties of the platelet-composite alginate hydrogels are measured, and they show a superior improvement in shear strength by up to 80% compared to the native hydrogel.
Chapter Five summarizes the research presented and the general conclusions derived from chapters 2-4 and outlines the future perspective in this field of research, including CDSA, nanocomposite hydrogels, and biology evaluations.
Item Type: | Thesis (PhD) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Subjects: | Q Science > QD Chemistry | ||||
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Colloids, Block copolymers -- Synthesis, Self-assembly (Chemistry), Micelles, Nanoparticles | ||||
Official Date: | November 2020 | ||||
Dates: |
|
||||
Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Department of Chemistry | ||||
Thesis Type: | PhD | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | Dove, Andrew P. ; O'Reilly, Rachel K. | ||||
Format of File: | |||||
Extent: | xxix, 275 leaves : illustrations (some colour) | ||||
Language: | eng |
Request changes or add full text files to a record
Repository staff actions (login required)
View Item |