DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/KEY6-2319

Defense Date

2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

First Advisor

Rebecca L. Heise, Ph.D.

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition that causes diffuse alveolar damage and a loss of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This leads to pulmonary edema and lung function deterioration. Our lab has created decellularized porcine lung, electrosprayed ECM nanoparticles that have been previously shown to have pro-regenerative capabilities in vitro.

In this study, the ECM nanoparticle effects on young murine lungs were tested in vivo. An ECM nanoparticle suspension, previously used for the in vitro studies, was aerosolized intratracheally into the lungs using a microsprayer. 24 hours later, the lung mechanics, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and histology were evaluated.

The ECM nanoparticles had no significant damaging effects to the lungs and were comparable to the control groups. Further studies are being done to establish an ARDS model using the ECM nanoparticle treatment.

Rights

© Brittaney Ritchie

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-11-2020

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