Surface Modification of Polyisobutylene-based Biomaterials

Judit E. Puskas, University of Akron, DMR 0804878

Intellectual Merit: We have synthesized a series of functionalized polymers, block copolymers and new architectures using Candida Antarctica Lipase B CALBto catalyse transesterification and Michael addition reactions. Specifically, we have been working on the synthesis of PIB-PEG and PIB-TEG. We were able to synthesize low molecular weight PIB-PEG with CALB – the work was presented at the Undergraduate Symposium at the 2009 Fall ACS meeting. We investigated protein adsorption on electrospun fibers, in collaboration with Professor Wesdemiotis from the Chemistry Department. We are also encapsulating antimicrobial silver compounds into our fibers, in collaboration with Professor Youngs from the Chemistry Department.

Collector

Solution Outlet

High Voltage Source

50 wt% loading

Broader Impacts: Notable outreach initiative was made over the past year to expose undergraduates, and high school students and teachers to STEM2 education. Ms. S.E. Porosky participated in this project as part of the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) last summer. This summer we had Ms. Porosky as well as Ms. K. Neyman from the Departmental REU program, Mr. J. Friess and Mr. E. Elmond (High school students) and Mr. D. Chapman (RET) as outreach members this summer. More than 100 people attended the lecture by Gerald H. Pollack as part of the Synapse series, fostering enlightened collaborations between art and science. This lecture was made possible through the current grant in a framework of a new program connecting science and art, to broaden the horizon for students of both disciplines.

Web site: http://gozips.uakron.edu/~jpuskas/

Mr. Friess at work on a thermal analysis device

Mr. Chapman developing a new implant prototype

Surface Modification of Polyisobutylene-based Biomaterials

Judit E. Puskas, University of Akron, DMR 0804878