DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/4B36-KR31

Defense Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Gary L. Bowlin

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to construct a flowmeter that could accurately measure the hydraulic permeability of electrospun fibrinogen scaffolds, providing insight into the transport properties of electrospun scaffolds while making the measurement of their topographical features (fiber and pore size) more accurate. Three different concentrations of fibrinogen were used (100, 120, and 150mg/ml) to create scaffolds with three different fiber diameters and pore sizes. The fiber diameters and pore sizes of the electrospun scaffolds were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and image analysis software. The permeability of each scaffold was measured and used to calculate permeability-based fiber diameters and pore sizes, which were compared to values obtained through image analysis. Permeability measurement revealed scaffold permeability to increase linearly with fibrinogen concentration, much like average fiber diameter and pore size. Comparison between the two measurement methods proved the efficacy of the flowmeter as a way to measure scaffold features.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

June 2008

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