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"Can AI help me make green choices?": understanding the role of AI-based recommenders in promoting sustainable consumption
Dissertation

"Can AI help me make green choices?": understanding the role of AI-based recommenders in promoting sustainable consumption

Ksenia Sergueeva
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010576
pdf
Sergueeva_Ksenia_20242.04 MB
PDF Embargoed Access, Embargo ends: 31 Aug 2026

Abstract

There is a pressing need for innovative drug delivery systems that enable ease of local delivery, controlled release profiles, and the ability to deliver multiple drugs simultaneously at different rates. Advances in this field could significantly enhance patient compliance with treatment regimens, limit the need for invasive device insertions, and localize treatments to improve efficacy while mitigating off-target side effects. To address these needs, this thesis aims to engineer a hydrogel-based drug delivery platform that leverages supramolecular guest-host chemistry for both hydrogel assembly and selective drug retention. The hydrogels are derived from methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA), which, upon exposure to UV light, form a solid hydrogel matrix. These polymers were additionally modified by either cyclodextrin (CD-MeHA) or adamantane (Ad-MeHA) to enable non-covalent interactions. A critical aspect of the project was the optimization of a mechanical fragmentation technique to convert bulk hydrogel material into microgels, suitable for the assembly of composite granular hydrogels for injectable delivery. Comprehensive characterization of the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting granular hydrogels was conducted using fluorescent and confocal imaging, along with extensive rheological assessment. Additionally, the release of model biomolecules (bovine serum albumin, BSA) or small molecules (fluoresceine, FITC) from the hydrogels was assessed over the course of four weeks. Tunability of the release profiles was dependent on their modification by supramolecular guests that enabled prolonged release. This work represents a significant step forward in the development of injectable, multi-drug delivery systems, offering promise for improved patient outcomes through enhanced treatment compliance and localized controlled therapeutic delivery.

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