Week Six Progress

Progress on the hydrogel adhesive prototype has entailed the finalization of the proposed design. As such, it was determined that differentiation of hydrogel density must be attained by varying the concentration of sodium alginate utilized within the individual hydrogel layers. The initial design had called for the variation of calcium chloride concentration, though it was concluded that the variation in calcium chloride density will not contribute appreciably to the densities of the layers. Moreover, the finalized design will exclude hydrogel bead suspensions, as the beads will not contribute to the release of FITC-BSA. Thus, FITC-BSA will become encapsulated within the high-density hydrogel layer, as shown below in Figure 1. To encapsulate the prototype drug, FITC-BSA will be mixed with sodium alginate before calcium chloride solution is added. To quantify the therapeutic release three hydrogel mixtures will be created, including: a high density layer, a low density layer, and a layered hydrogel mixture. The absorbance of light over time will be measured for each mixture by utilizing a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, the results will be graphed to determine the efficacy of the layered hydrogel design. Ideally, the graphed results of the layered hydrogel mixture will yield a quick release of FITC-BSA over time, before delineating a plateau. The results of the spectrophotometry is expected to be favorable given the structural design of the adhesive. Nonetheless, the need for further progress and revision to the design of the hydrogel adhesive will be determined by the results of the spectrophotometry.

Figure 1: Finalized Hydrogel Adhesive Design

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Week Nine Progress

The progress underwent during week nine of the hydrogel restructuring module entailed rectifying the errors made during the first and second testing rounds conducted during week seven. The results of first and second testing trials revealed egregious errors upon obtaining the results of the spectrophotometry of week eight. The spectrophotometry results delineated a consistent decrease in fluorescent intensity over time. Nonetheless, an ideal graph would illustrate a sustained increase in fluorescent intensity, thereby paralleling an increase in the percentage of therapeutic that is released. The increase in fluorescent intensity which had resulted from the week seven testing may be attributed to the experimental errors which occurred during the construction of hydrogel samples, and are described in full detail in the Week Eight Progress Report. During week nine, new hydrogel samples were generated in a comparable fashion to the construction of samples during the second phase of t...

Week Three Progress

During Week Three, we discussed and determined our therapeutic agent for the hydrogel module. After extensive research and comparison of our options, we decided the best-suited therapeutic would be zinc oxide. This substance fits our design so well because it is hydrophobic and will slowly disperse through the pores in the bottom hydrogel layer. Zinc oxide has been used in past hydrogel models and has been proven to be effective. It is an agent that has been used in ointments and supplements to treat burns and prevent infections. Likewise, the possibility of overdosing on zinc-oxide necessitates a solution for controlled therapeutic release. The predominant delivery system for zinc oxide is through medicinal cream, the delivery through which enables the therapeutic threshold of zinc oxide to be increased to levels of high toxicity. Symptoms of zinc-oxide overdose include: fever, chills, vomiting, mouth irritation, stomach pain, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. Consequently, the phar...

Week Two Progress

The objectives of the week two lab consisted of preparing for the construction of the therapeutic-infused hydrogel adhesive. As such, a bill of materials was devised to determine the requisite laboratory supplies. It was determined that chemical components and laboratory glassware would be required to conduct the precipitation reaction between calcium chloride and sodium alginate. As the therapeutic agent, to be injected into the hydrogel 'beads', has not yet been determined, a comparable placebo had not been established. Nonetheless, each team member is to conduct research to determine an appropriate therapeutic for the hydrogel adhesive before a comparable placebo may be determined. Research regarding a possible therapeutic agent is to be completed before the week three lab. Once a therapeutic agent is agreed upon, a placebo, of comparable physical properties, will be ordered. The week two activities were completed in preparation for the construction of a preliminary design ...

Group 076-11: Modulating Hydrogel Structure for Therapeutic Release

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