Biomaterials for protection and repair of the central nervous system
Name
824133007-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
5.91 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
6a8f4e3a154a2bace92fb98c36696941
Author(s)
Pritchard, Christopher D., (Christopher David)
Advisor(s)
Robert Langer.
Date Issued
2012
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
An injectable hydrogel for controlled release of methylprednisolone was designed based on the inflammatory response during acute spinal cord injury. The gel is injectable through a small gauge needle, cross-links under physiological conditions, and releases methylprednisolone over a time period on the order of weeks. Swelling properties were characterized to address potential safety concerns for potential clinical use. Two studies are presented towards the development of a model Brown-Sequard syndrome and accompanying behavioral and pathological outcome measures for evaluation of biomaterials in vivo. A modified poly(glycerol-co-sebacic acid) membrane was developed using electrospun poly(s-caprolactone) nanofibers. Retinal adhesion and histology was evaluated in vitro. Membranes were evaluated in vivo for their ability to selectively remove photoreceptors in situ and promote survival and integration of retinal transplants. Viscoelastic poly(ethylene glycol) sols were evaluated as potential vitreous substitutes. Finally, a business plan outlines the strategy towards clinical trials for a hydrogel vitreous substitute.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 2012.
"June 2012." Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references.
Subjects
Chemical Engineering.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering
Terms of Use
M.I.T. theses are protected by
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.
Persistent DSpace Link
