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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
11

Preparo e avaliação comparativa das propriedades físico-químicas de hidrogéis de fibroína de seda com conteúdo variado de sericina obtidos a partir dos cloretos de cálcio e lítio em sistemas distintos de solventes / Preparation and comparative evaluation of the physical-chemical properties of silk fibroin hydrogels with varied sericin content obtained from calcium salts and lithium in various solvent systems

Bexiga, Natália Marchesan 25 June 2014 (has links)
A fibroína de seda é uma proteína sintetizada pela espécie Bombyx mori, popularmente conhecida como bicho-da-seda. O casulo de Bombyx mori é composto por fibras de fibroína e pela sericina, responsável por unir os fios de fibroína. A fibroína é um polímero natural bastante versátil e pode ser processada de maneira a formar materiais como filmes, microesferas e hidrogéis. Os hidrogéis são redes tridimensionais formadas por macromoléculas e capazes de absorver grande quantidade de água sem perder sua integridade estrutural. Devido à características como biocompatibilidade, elevado teor de água e boas propriedades de difusão de oxigênio e nutrientes, os hidrogéis são amplamente utilizados em pesquisa biomédica. A fibroína é biodegradável, termicamente estável, altamente cristalina, flexível, resistente à tração, além de insolúvel em água e na maioria dos solventes orgânicos. A fibroína derivada das sedas Frison Extra e Meada 21 Denier foi separada da sericina pelo processo de degomagem, onde as fibras de seda foram imersas em soluções alcalinas e submetidas à aquecimento com posterior remoção de sericina. Os fios de fibroína foram dispersos nas soluções de CaCl2:H2O, LiCl:H2O e LiCl:EtOH:H2O. Diferenças nos tempos de dispersão para amostras distintas degomadas ou não foram observadas, bem como para cada um dos sistemas salino/solvente empregados. Após o processo de dispersão da fibroína as dispersões obtidas foram caracterizadas quanto à textura e reologia. As amostras não degomadas apresentaram maior firmeza e aumento do módulo elástico G\'. Algumas amostras contendo sericina ou etanol apresentaram comportamento newtoniano. Em uma segunda etapa, as amostras foram dialisadas para a produção do hidrogel e em seguida liofilizadas. Não houveram diferenças entre os tempos de gelificação para amostras distintas. Finalmente objetivou-se a caracterização dos hidrogéis obtidos por meio de ensaios termogravimétricos, difratométricos, espectrofotométricos e microscópicos. Todos os hidrogéis de fibroína de seda apresentaram alta resistência térmica, com presença predominante da conformação em folha-β da fibroína. Morfologicamente, os hidrogéis obtidos a partir de dispersões em LiCl:EtOH:H2O e CaCl2:EtOH:H2O apresentaram aspecto de rede enovelada, enquanto que os hidrogéis oriundos de dispersões em LiCl:H2O apresentaram estrutura lamelar. / The silk fibroin is a protein synthesized by Bombyx mori species, popularly known as silkworm silk. The Bombyx mori cocoon is composed of fibroin fibers and the sericin protein, which is responsible for joining the fibroin yarns. The fibroin is a quite versatile natural polymer and can be processed to form materials such as films, microspheres and hydrogels. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks formed by macromolecules and capable of absorbing large quantities of water without losing their structural integrity. Due to biocompatibility, ability to mimic biological tissues, high water content and good diffusion properties of oxygen and nutrients, hydrogels are widely used in biomedical research. The fibroin is biodegradable, thermally stable, highly crystalline, flexible and tensile resistant. Besides, it is insoluble in water and in most organic solvents. The fibroin from Frison Extra and Meada 21 Denier silks was separated from the sericin by the degumming process, whereby the silk fibers were immersed in alkaline solutions and subjected to heating with subsequent dissolution and removal of sericin. Fibroin yarns were dispersed in various solutions: CaCl2:H2O; LiCl:H2O; and LiCl:EtOH:H2O. It was observed that according to the fibroin type and solvent solution used the time to achieve dispersion varied. Texture and rheology were determined for every sample after dispersion. All non-degummed samples had shown increased firmness and elastic module G\'. It was observed that the samples presented a wide behavior range, some that contained sericin or ethanol presented Newtonian behavior. Subsequently the samples were dialyzed to obtain the hydrogels and lyophilized. All samples (with exception of two) have formed hydrogels in a 24 hours period. The lyophilized hydrogels were analyzed by thermogravimetry, diffractometry, spectrophotometry and microscopy. All silk fibroin hydrogels presented high thermic resistance with β-sheet predominance. Morphologically, all hydrogels obtained from LiCl:EtOH:H2O and CaCl2:EtOH:H2O solutions had shown entangled aspect wile hydrogels from LiCl:H2O solutions had shown lamellar structures.
12

Propriedades ópticas de membranas à base de polímeros naturais e nanopartículas de carbono / Optical properties of membranes based on natural polymers and carbon nanoparticles

Caetano, Laís Galvão [UNESP] 21 December 2016 (has links)
Submitted by LAÍS GALVÃO CAETANO null (laisgalvao@iq.unesp.br) on 2017-02-06T13:41:04Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Mestrado Laís Galvão Caetano.pdf: 2178003 bytes, checksum: 2239574ffc48afbca6a43b06084d326b (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by LUIZA DE MENEZES ROMANETTO (luizamenezes@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-02-09T17:06:10Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 caetano_lg_me_arafo.pdf: 2178003 bytes, checksum: 2239574ffc48afbca6a43b06084d326b (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-09T17:06:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 caetano_lg_me_arafo.pdf: 2178003 bytes, checksum: 2239574ffc48afbca6a43b06084d326b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-12-21 / A fibroína da seda extraída dos casulos do bicho-da-sêda é um co-polímero particularmente atraente para aplicações em dispositivos fotônicos e opticoeletrônicos devido a sua transparência óptica, biocompatibilidade e propriedades mecânicas. Esta tese apresenta a obtenção de suspensões e filmes iridescentes-luminescentes de fibroína contendo nanopartículas luminescentes de carbono (“carbon dots”) obtidos a partir de carvão vegetal. As nanopartículas luminescentes de carbono apresentam biocompatibilidade, baixa toxicidade, propriedades de fotoluminescência interessantes e possibilidade de modificação da superfície. Redes de difração foram produzidas nestes filmes utilizando como molde um DVD comercial. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados por um conjunto de técnicas de análise: Microscopia de Força Atômica (AFM), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (MET), Espectroscopia de absorção na região do UVVis, Espectrofotometria de absorção molecular na região do infravermelho com transformada de Fourier (FTIR) e Luminescência. Medidas de luminescência mostram que os carbon dots emitem múltiplas cores entre toda a região do visível. Planos cristalinos foram observados nas imagens de MET das nanopartículas, no qual foram asssociadas a estrutura do grafite. Pela análise de UV-Vis dos carbon dots observou-se que a absorção óptica decai gradualmente à medida em que ocorre deslocamento para o vermelho e para os filmes de fibroína observou-se um ombro referente a transição eletrônica da tirosina (aminoácido de sua composição). A partir dos espectros de FTIR observou-se que não houve mudança na estrutura da fibroína após a adição dos carbon dots. As imagens de AFM e MEV comprovam a presença dos micropadrões periódicos na superfície dos filmes. Os resultados mostraram que os filmes de fibroína contendo carbono dots tem um grande potencial para a biomedicina, principalmente devido os seus parâmetros de luminescência se extenderem em toda a região do visível e por apresentar uma matriz sustentável, com excelentes propriedades ópticas e mecânicas. / Silk fibroin extracted from silkworm cocoons is a particularly attractive copolymer for applications in photonics and optoelectronics devices due its optical transparency, biocompatibility and high mechanical strength. This thesis presents the preparation of suspensions and iridescent-luminescent films of silk fibroin containing luminescent carbon nanoparticles (carbon dots) obtained from vegetal coal. Luminescent carbon nanoparticles present high biocompatibility, low toxicity, interesting photoluminescence properties and possibility of surface modification. Diffraction gratings were produced in these films using a commercial DVD as a template. The materials obtained were characterized by a set of analysis techniques: Atomic-Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Luminescence. Luminescence measurements show that carbon dots emit light at the entire visible region. Crystalline planes were observed in the TEM images of the nanoparticles, where upon the graphite structure was associated. By analyzing the UV-Vis spectra of the carbon dots it was observed that the optical absorption gradually decreases as the red shift occurs. In the UV-Vis spectra of the silk fibroin films it was observed a shoulder referring to the electronic transition of the tyrosine (amino acid of its composition). From the FTIR spectra it was observed that there was no change in the silk fibroin structure after addition of the carbon dots. The AFM and SEM images confirm the presence of the periodic micro-patterns on the surface of the films. The results showed that the silk fibroin films containing carbon dots have a great potential for biomedicine, mainly due to its luminescence parameters extending throughout the visible region and due to a sustainable platform with excellent optical and mechanical properties.
13

Potential Applications of Silk Fibroin as a Biomaterial

Bailey, Kevin 07 June 2013 (has links)
Fibroin is a biopolymer obtained from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori silkworm that offers many unique advantages. In this thesis work, fibroin was processed into a regenerated film and examined for potential biomaterial applications. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin onto the fibroin film was investigated to examine the biocompatibility of the film, and it was found that BSA adsorption capacity increased with an increase in BSA concentration. At 10 mg/mL of BSA, the BSA sorption reached 0.045 mg/cm2. This level of BSA is indicative of good blood compatibility and biocompatibility of the fibroin. The gas permeabilities of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide were tested for potential applications in contact lenses and wound dressings. Over a pressure range of 70 – 350 psig, the permeability of oxygen and nitrogen was 5 Barrer, while that of carbon dioxide ranged from 26 to 37 Barrer. The oxygen transmissibility of the fibroin films prepared in this study was on the low end required for use in daily wear contact lenses, but sufficient to aid the healing process for use in wound dressings. The permeability and diffusivity of four model drugs in the fibroin film was investigated for potential applications in controlled drug release. The permeability at higher source concentrations leveled out to 0.8 – 4.3 x 10-7 cm2/s depending on the drug tested. The diffusion coefficient determined from sorption experiments was approximately 1.8 x 10-9 cm2/s, while the diffusion coefficients from desorption experiments were determined to be 0.8 – 2.7 x 10-9 cm2/s. The magnitude of the drug permeability and diffusivity are consistent with many other controlled release materials, and the fibroin film showed good potential for use in controlled release.
14

Potential Applications of Silk Fibroin as a Biomaterial

Bailey, Kevin 07 June 2013 (has links)
Fibroin is a biopolymer obtained from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori silkworm that offers many unique advantages. In this thesis work, fibroin was processed into a regenerated film and examined for potential biomaterial applications. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin onto the fibroin film was investigated to examine the biocompatibility of the film, and it was found that BSA adsorption capacity increased with an increase in BSA concentration. At 10 mg/mL of BSA, the BSA sorption reached 0.045 mg/cm2. This level of BSA is indicative of good blood compatibility and biocompatibility of the fibroin. The gas permeabilities of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide were tested for potential applications in contact lenses and wound dressings. Over a pressure range of 70 – 350 psig, the permeability of oxygen and nitrogen was 5 Barrer, while that of carbon dioxide ranged from 26 to 37 Barrer. The oxygen transmissibility of the fibroin films prepared in this study was on the low end required for use in daily wear contact lenses, but sufficient to aid the healing process for use in wound dressings. The permeability and diffusivity of four model drugs in the fibroin film was investigated for potential applications in controlled drug release. The permeability at higher source concentrations leveled out to 0.8 – 4.3 x 10-7 cm2/s depending on the drug tested. The diffusion coefficient determined from sorption experiments was approximately 1.8 x 10-9 cm2/s, while the diffusion coefficients from desorption experiments were determined to be 0.8 – 2.7 x 10-9 cm2/s. The magnitude of the drug permeability and diffusivity are consistent with many other controlled release materials, and the fibroin film showed good potential for use in controlled release.
15

Estudo de fibroína dopada com terras raras para potenciais aplicações fotônicas / Study of rare earth doped fibroin for potential photonic applications

Roberta Silva Pugina 01 February 2018 (has links)
A fibroína da seda (SF) é uma proteína estrutural encontrada nos casulos do Bombyx mori e que possui propriedades potencialmente aplicáveis em fotônica. Esta matriz biocompatível é um substrato interessante para diferentes íons ou moléculas; além disso, o seu índice de refração variável permite que fótons sejam guiados neste material, possibilitando seu uso como guias de ondas biocompatíveis e reabsorvíveis, que pode ser utilizado para fornecer energia ótica para diversas aplicações, por exemplo, terapia ou imagem dentro de tecidos vivos. A sua boa adequação em sistemas ópticos deve-se principalmente a propriedades como: ser mecanicamente robusta, apresentar superfícies muito lisas, altamente transparentes (> 95%) em toda a região visível do espectro e ser modelável. Além disto, há uma característica adicional: a viabilidade de funcionalização bioquímica, o que pode conferir uma maior versatilidade a estes dispositivos. Já os íons terras raras (TR) possuem um papel amplamente conhecido no ramo da fotônica; porém, não há nenhum estudo envolvendo a produção de luz em SF dopada com íons TR, e a combinação das propriedades mecânicas e óticas desta matriz com a multifuncionalidade destes íons pode ser uma forma de se produzir dispositivos fotônicos novos e distintos. Desta forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a estrutura da matriz de SF na presença de diferentes íons TR (Eu3+ e Tb3+), bem como a interação existente entre os aminoácidos que constitui a matriz e estes íons. Os resultados apresentados nesta dissertação mostraram as interações TR-SF e suportam os mecanismos de transferência de energia para excitação de diferentes íons TR nesta matriz, sendo importante para futuras aplicações em fotônica / Silk fibroin (SF) is a structural protein found in Bombyx mori cocoons and has properties that are potentially applicable in photonics. This biocompatible matrix is an interesting substrate for different ions or molecules. Furthermore, its variable refractive index allows for photons to be guided in this material enabling their use as biocompatible and resorbable waveguides, which can be used to provide optical energy for various applications, e. g., therapy or imaging into living tissue. Its suitability in optical systems is mainly due to its properties such as: being mechanically robust, presenting very smooth surfaces, highly transparent (> 95%) throughout the visible region of the spectrum and being moldable. In addition, there is an extra feature: the possibility of biochemical functionalization, which may confer greater versatility to these devices. On the other hand, rare earth ions (RE) play a widely known role in the field of photonics. However, there is no studies involving the production of light in doped SF with RE ions and the combination of the mechanical and optical properties of this matrix with the multifunctionality of these ions can be a way to produce new photonic devices. Thus, the aim of the present work was to study the SF matrix structure in the presence of different RE ions (Eu3+ and Tb3+) as well as the interaction between the amino acids from the matrix and these RE ions. The results presented in this manuscript have characterized the RE-SF interactions and supported the mechanisms of energy transfer for excitation of different RE ions in this matrix being important for future applications in photonics
16

Preparo e avaliação comparativa das propriedades físico-químicas de hidrogéis de fibroína de seda com conteúdo variado de sericina obtidos a partir dos cloretos de cálcio e lítio em sistemas distintos de solventes / Preparation and comparative evaluation of the physical-chemical properties of silk fibroin hydrogels with varied sericin content obtained from calcium salts and lithium in various solvent systems

Natália Marchesan Bexiga 25 June 2014 (has links)
A fibroína de seda é uma proteína sintetizada pela espécie Bombyx mori, popularmente conhecida como bicho-da-seda. O casulo de Bombyx mori é composto por fibras de fibroína e pela sericina, responsável por unir os fios de fibroína. A fibroína é um polímero natural bastante versátil e pode ser processada de maneira a formar materiais como filmes, microesferas e hidrogéis. Os hidrogéis são redes tridimensionais formadas por macromoléculas e capazes de absorver grande quantidade de água sem perder sua integridade estrutural. Devido à características como biocompatibilidade, elevado teor de água e boas propriedades de difusão de oxigênio e nutrientes, os hidrogéis são amplamente utilizados em pesquisa biomédica. A fibroína é biodegradável, termicamente estável, altamente cristalina, flexível, resistente à tração, além de insolúvel em água e na maioria dos solventes orgânicos. A fibroína derivada das sedas Frison Extra e Meada 21 Denier foi separada da sericina pelo processo de degomagem, onde as fibras de seda foram imersas em soluções alcalinas e submetidas à aquecimento com posterior remoção de sericina. Os fios de fibroína foram dispersos nas soluções de CaCl2:H2O, LiCl:H2O e LiCl:EtOH:H2O. Diferenças nos tempos de dispersão para amostras distintas degomadas ou não foram observadas, bem como para cada um dos sistemas salino/solvente empregados. Após o processo de dispersão da fibroína as dispersões obtidas foram caracterizadas quanto à textura e reologia. As amostras não degomadas apresentaram maior firmeza e aumento do módulo elástico G\'. Algumas amostras contendo sericina ou etanol apresentaram comportamento newtoniano. Em uma segunda etapa, as amostras foram dialisadas para a produção do hidrogel e em seguida liofilizadas. Não houveram diferenças entre os tempos de gelificação para amostras distintas. Finalmente objetivou-se a caracterização dos hidrogéis obtidos por meio de ensaios termogravimétricos, difratométricos, espectrofotométricos e microscópicos. Todos os hidrogéis de fibroína de seda apresentaram alta resistência térmica, com presença predominante da conformação em folha-β da fibroína. Morfologicamente, os hidrogéis obtidos a partir de dispersões em LiCl:EtOH:H2O e CaCl2:EtOH:H2O apresentaram aspecto de rede enovelada, enquanto que os hidrogéis oriundos de dispersões em LiCl:H2O apresentaram estrutura lamelar. / The silk fibroin is a protein synthesized by Bombyx mori species, popularly known as silkworm silk. The Bombyx mori cocoon is composed of fibroin fibers and the sericin protein, which is responsible for joining the fibroin yarns. The fibroin is a quite versatile natural polymer and can be processed to form materials such as films, microspheres and hydrogels. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks formed by macromolecules and capable of absorbing large quantities of water without losing their structural integrity. Due to biocompatibility, ability to mimic biological tissues, high water content and good diffusion properties of oxygen and nutrients, hydrogels are widely used in biomedical research. The fibroin is biodegradable, thermally stable, highly crystalline, flexible and tensile resistant. Besides, it is insoluble in water and in most organic solvents. The fibroin from Frison Extra and Meada 21 Denier silks was separated from the sericin by the degumming process, whereby the silk fibers were immersed in alkaline solutions and subjected to heating with subsequent dissolution and removal of sericin. Fibroin yarns were dispersed in various solutions: CaCl2:H2O; LiCl:H2O; and LiCl:EtOH:H2O. It was observed that according to the fibroin type and solvent solution used the time to achieve dispersion varied. Texture and rheology were determined for every sample after dispersion. All non-degummed samples had shown increased firmness and elastic module G\'. It was observed that the samples presented a wide behavior range, some that contained sericin or ethanol presented Newtonian behavior. Subsequently the samples were dialyzed to obtain the hydrogels and lyophilized. All samples (with exception of two) have formed hydrogels in a 24 hours period. The lyophilized hydrogels were analyzed by thermogravimetry, diffractometry, spectrophotometry and microscopy. All silk fibroin hydrogels presented high thermic resistance with β-sheet predominance. Morphologically, all hydrogels obtained from LiCl:EtOH:H2O and CaCl2:EtOH:H2O solutions had shown entangled aspect wile hydrogels from LiCl:H2O solutions had shown lamellar structures.
17

Preparação de micropartículas de fibroína da seda calcificadas / Preparation the microparticulas the silk fibroin calcifieds

Juliana Raquel Frigo Aciari 04 October 2013 (has links)
A calcificação ocorre pela formação de depósitos de cálcio em diferentes matrizes envolvendo fatores mecânicos, químicos e biológicos. Alguns compósitos, polímeros e proteínas são utilizados na formação de matrizes por promover maior eficiência no processo de mineralização. Estima-se que a fibroína da seda apresente também esta finalidade. A fibroína é uma proteína fibrosa extraída do casulo do bicho-da-seda (Bombyx mori), que pode ser processada como filme, membrana, esponja, pó, gel e aplicada em ossos e cartilagens, enxertos vasculares, reparação de nervos e córnea, como sistema de liberação de drogas, suturas, ligamentos, peles, tendões e substrato para cultura de células. Nesse trabalho houve a preparação de micropartículas de fibroína da seda através de dois procedimentos distintos, um por borrifamento em N&sup2 e outro por borrifamento em Na2HPO4 e o processo de calcificação realizado foi por imersão alternada de soluções tamponadas de cálcio e fosfato. As caracterizações realizadas foram Espectroscopia de Absorção no Infravermelho (FT-IR), Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva (EDS) e Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que a calcificação das micropartículas de fibroína ocorre pelas duas metodologias empregadas. O teor de calcificação foi de aproximadamente 29% para micropartículas borrifadas em N&sup2 e de aproximadamente 80% para as micropartículas borrifadas em Na2HPO4. As micropartículas de fibroína calcificadas, não apresentaram transição térmica até a temperatura de 120°C, possibilitando a esterilização em autoclave a seco. / Calcification occurs by the formation of calcium deposits in different matrices involving mechanical factors, chemical and biological. Some composites, polymers, and proteins are used in forming matrices to promote higher efficiency in the process of mineralization. It is estimated that the silk fibroin also present for this purpose. The fibroin is a fibrous protein extracted from silkworm cocoon silkworm (Bombyx mori), which can be processed as film, membrane, sponge, powder, gel and applied in bone and cartilage, vascular grafts, nerve repair and corneal as a delivery system for drugs, sutures, ligaments, skins, tendons and substrate for cell culture. In this work was the preparation of microparticles of silk fibroin by two different procedures, sputter under N&sup2 and in other sputter Na2HPO4 and calcification process was performed by immersion of alternating buffered solutions of calcium and phosphate. The characterizations were performed Absorption Spectroscopy Infrared (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the calcification of fibroin microparticles occurs by the two methodologies. The calcified fibroin microparticles showed no thermal transition temperature to 120°C, enabling autoclaving of the microparticles dry
18

Early tissue formation on whole-area osteochondral defect of rabbit patella by covering with fibroin sponge / フィブロインスポンジ被覆によるウサギ膝蓋骨全範囲骨軟骨欠損における早期組織形成

Hirakata, Eiichi 23 January 2017 (has links)
京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・論文博士 / 博士(医学) / 乙第13068号 / 論医博第2123号 / 新制||医||1019(附属図書館) / 33219 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 妻木 範行, 教授 開 祐司, 教授 戸口田 淳也 / 学位規則第4条第2項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM
19

FABRICATION AND TESTING OF SCAFFOLDS FOR CELL GROWTH FROM IONIC LIQUID SOLUBILIZED FIBROIN

Gupta, Maneesh Kumar 19 December 2007 (has links)
No description available.
20

Tuning and Optimization of Silk Fibroin Gels for Biomedical Applications

Marin, Michael 04 April 2014 (has links)
Biocompatible and biodegradable porous materials based on silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein derived from the Bombyx mori silkworm, are being extensively investigated for use in biomedical applications including mammalian cell bioprocessing, tissue engineering, and drug delivery applications. In this work, low-pressure, gaseous CO2 is used as an acidifying agent to fabricate SF hydrogels. This low-pressure CO2 acidification method is compared to an acidification method using high-pressure CO2 to demonstrate the effect of CO2 mass transfer and pressure on SF sol-gel kinetics. The effect of SF molecular weight on the sol-gel kinetics is determined using the low-pressure CO2 method. The results from these studies demonstrate that low-pressure CO2 processing proves to be a facile method for synthesizing 3D SF hydrogels. We also determined the effect of SF solution concentration on the morphology and textural properties of SF aerogels. Changing the solution concentration from 2 wt% to 6 wt% yielded a higher surface area (260 to 308 m2/g) and different macro structure, but similar mesopore pore volume and size, and micro structure. Furthermore, we determined the effect of drying method on the morphology and textural properties of SF hydrogels gelled via CO2 acidification. Drying with supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) yielded an aerogel surface area five times larger than aerogels that were freeze dried. Moreover, a freeze dried hydrogel initially frozen at -20 °C had pores approximately 10 µm larger than a hydrogel initially frozen at -196 °C. The results presented here also demonstrate the potential of SF aerogels as drug delivery devices for the extended release of ibuprofen, a model drug compound. SF aerogels are loaded with ~21 wt% of ibuprofen using scCO2 at 40 °C and 100 bar. Differential scanning calorimetry of the ibuprofen-loaded SF aerogels indicates that the ibuprofen is amorphous. Scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis are used to investigate the morphology and textural properties. Phosphate buffer solution (PBS) soaking studies at 37 °C and pH 7.4 reveal that the SF aerogels do not swell or degrade for up to six hours. In vitro ibuprofen release in PBS at 37 °C and pH 7.4 occurs over a six-hour period when the ibuprofen is loaded in SF aerogel discs with an aspect ratio of ~1.65 (diameter/thickness), whereas the dissolution of the same amount of pure ibuprofen occurs in 15 minutes. Furthermore, the release of ibuprofen from these SF aerogel discs are modeled using the Fu model which indicates that ibuprofen release follows Fickian diffusion for the first 65 wt% of ibuprofen release, and non-Fickian diffusion for the next 25 wt% of ibuprofen release. We also showed that SF aerogel scaffolds support in vitro human foreskin fibroblast cell attachment, proliferation, propagation, and cell seeding of different densities (10x103, 30x103, and 60x103). In summary, we created and characterized a tunable 3D SF aerogel scaffold with potential for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

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