Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Biomedical Engineering

Committee Chair

Jessica Jennings

Committee Member

Joel D Bumgardner

Committee Member

Tomoko Fujiwara

Abstract

Infections are the leading cause of burn related deaths worldwide. These infections not only complicate micro-environment of a burn wound, but further obscure the wound due to the formation of biofilms at the wound site. Local drug delivery (LDD) has been a highly researched solution due to its advantages in locally treating and preventing infection while avoiding systemic side effects. LDD systems also have advantages for complex wounds, like burns. Chitosan is a natural polymer that is often used in these systems due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility and versatility. Previous research has suggested that short chain unsaturated fatty acids, for example cis-2-decenoic acid (C2DA), can disperse and inhibit formation of biofilms. Furthermore, due to the growing opioid crisis, alternate pain management strategies are crucial. Local anesthetics, like bupivacaine (BUP) have been shown to have inherent antimicrobial effects in addition to their analgesic effects. This project aims to study the in vivo efficacy of electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCMs) that are loaded with C2DA and/or BUP in burn wound applications in comparison to clinically used products.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest.

Notes

Open Access

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