Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences

First Advisor

C. Bashur

Second Advisor

L. K. Moore

Third Advisor

V. Kishore

Fourth Advisor

Alessandra Carriero

Abstract

Different strategies have been investigated for the fabrication of vascular grafts. Using the peritoneal cavity of the patient as an “in vivo bioreactor” to recruit autologous cells to the implanted vascular conduit is one of the promising options. One of the main drawbacks with this strategy is the potential to form adhesions in the peritoneal cavity. In this project we are trying to address this potential side-effect by using polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) to produce a hydrogel pouch into which the electrospun conduits are placed, with the goal of reducing the potential to form peritoneal adhesion after implantation. PEG is hydrophilic material that shows low cell attachment and resistance to protein adhesion making it a suitable material. PEG pouches will be fabricated by crosslinking PEGDA with Irgacure 2959. A pilot study has been performed to determine the response in a rat model. Mechanical properties of these pouches will be studied at different concentration and loading rates to find the best concentration of PEGDA that gives desired mechanical properties and strength to prevent the pouch from breaking when implanted inside the peritoneal cavity.

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