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Responsive poly (γ-glutamic acid) fibres for biomedical applications
Sangwon Chung1, Cristina Gentilini, Anthony Callanan
1Departments of Materials and Bioengineering and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK. m.stevens@imperial.ac.uk.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
A novel protein-based biopolymer system made from poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) changes structure with temperature or solvents. This adaptable material shows promise for advanced biomedical applications like smart wound dressings.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) is a naturally produced, biocompatible, and biodegradable protein-based biopolymer.
- Responsive materials offer advanced functionalities for various applications.
- Controlled environmental responsiveness is key for developing smart materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel responsive system using a modified γ-PGA.
- To investigate the material's structural, geometric, and chemical changes in response to temperature and solvent stimuli.
- To explore potential biomedical applications of the developed responsive material.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a sub-micron fibrous mat using electrospun modified γ-PGA.
- Modulation of environmental responsive behavior through controlled stimuli (temperature, solvent).
- Characterization of structural, geometric, and chemical property changes.
Main Results:
- Successful design and fabrication of a responsive γ-PGA-based fibrous mat.
- Demonstrated structural, geometric, and chemical changes in response to temperature and solvent.
- Controlled modulation of the material's responsive behavior was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The developed γ-PGA based system exhibits significant environmental responsiveness.
- The material's adaptable properties open avenues for innovative biomedical applications.
- Potential applications include advanced wound dressings, compression materials, and self-tightening knots.
