DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/7611-9321
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Biomedical Engineering
First Advisor
Gary Bowlin
Abstract
This study focused on the comparison of the electrospun silk scaffolds to the electrospun silk fibroin gel scaffolds. Moreover, this study examined the differences in cross-linking effects of genipin and methanol as well as solvents on the mechanical properties and cell compatibility of the scaffolds. Silk scaffolds were electrospun from an aqueous solution or 1,1,1,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) without genipin, immediately after 8 % (wt) genipin was added to the solution, and 18 hours after genipin blended with the solution. Uniaxial tensile testing determined that the silk scaffolds electrospun from water exhibit a higher modulus and peak stress than that of the silk scaffolds electrospun from HFIP. In vitro cell culture was conducted to determine the cell compatibility of the various silk fibroin-based scaffolds. 4'-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and histology suggest that genipin may enhance cell compatibility, and that neither ethanol nor methanol inhibit cell interactions.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
August 2011