Author

Amanda Wagner

Date of Award

Fall 2019

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

First Advisor

Ken Shimizu

Abstract

In this thesis, hyaluronic acid based biomaterials are studied. The properties and potential applications of these polymers are characterized and discussed.

In Chapter 1, biomaterials are introduced as well as hydrogels and nanogels. Hyaluronic acid is highlighted as a remarkable bio-polymer. The overall objectives of my research are also discussed.

Chapter 2 is focused around trials for utilizing graphene oxide as a nanomaterial for controlling the drug release of an aromatic compound. Hyaluronic acid based hydrogels were synthesized as a delivery vessel. The results of the drug release profiles are examined and discussed.

A different direction is taken in Chapter 3. A nanogel is formed using hyaluronic acid and a thermoresponsive polymer. The synthesis of the grafted polymer itself as well as the nanogel are outlined and the characterization of each are discussed.

In Chapter 4, two methods for surface modification of virus particles are discussed. In one approach, a boronic acid grafted hyaluronic acid polymer is synthesized and characterized. In another approach, “click” chemistry is utilized as an alkyne-terminated polymer is synthesized and characterized for conjugation with an azide-modified virus.

Rights

© 2019, Amanda Wagner

Included in

Chemistry Commons

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