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Nanocomposite hydrogel with polycaprolactone single crystal-directed silica nanoparticle assembly
Thesis   Open access

Nanocomposite hydrogel with polycaprolactone single crystal-directed silica nanoparticle assembly

Hang Kuen Lau
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00007501
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Abstract

Colloids Nanogels Materials Science
Hydrogel has been widely studied in biomedical applications because of its similarity to extracellular matrix (ECM) that enables cell attachment, growth and tissue development. The high water content and high swelling ratio of hydrogel allow essential nutrient diffusion into the matrices and make hydrogel ideal for tissue engineering applications. Much stronger hydrogel is required for cellular growth. To this end, composite hydrogels with different fillers, including nanoparticles, fibers and two dimensional (2D) clays, have been developed to improve the mechanical properties ofthe system. In such systems, nanoparticle assembly is critical to the hydrogel mechanical properties, and it has not been addressed in the field. In this thesis study, we used a 2D polymer single crystal to guild silica nanoparticle assembly in a model hydrogel system. Polycaprolactone PCL)-silica hybrid filler was fabricated by directing silica orientation using the PCL single crystal as a template. The PCL-silica hybrid was incorporated in polyacrylamide hydrogel through in-situ free radical polymerization. Mechanical properties and water swelling of the hydrogel have been systematically correlated to nanoparticle assembly and will be discussed in detail.

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