Date of Graduation

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Kim, Jin-Woo

Committee Member/Reader

Wolchok, Jeffrey C.

Committee Member/Second Reader

Jensen, Hanna

Abstract

Metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes (m-SWNTs) were separated from pristine SWNTs using affinity chromatography for use in electrically conductive tissue engineering scaffolds. Approximately one third of SWNTs have metallic properties. Separations were achieved using a protocol modified from Liu & coworkers (2011) in order to improve the method for cell culture environments. Samples enriched in m-SWNTs were isolated and characterized. However, challenges still remain for the complete separation of m-SWNTs from their semiconducting counterpart (s-SWNTs) using this protocol. Approaches to improve separation and reduce the difficulties associated with processing the nanotubes were suggested. One of the ultimate destinations of these nanotubes would be conductive m-SWNT and collagen hydrogels for neuromuscular tissue engineering scaffolds.

Isolation of Metallic Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrically Conductive Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

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