Title page for ETD etd-081809-122228

Document Type	dissertation
Author Name	Dougherty, Shelley A.
URN	etd-081809-122228
Title	Template-assisted fabrication of nano-biomaterials
Degree	PhD
Department	Materials Science & Engineering
Advisors	Jianyu Liang, Advisor Richard D. Sisson, Jr., Department Head Satya Shivkumar, Committee Member George Pins, Committee Member Terri Camesano, Committee Member Art Coury, Committee Member
Keywords	nanofabrication protein polymer biomaterial nanotube nanorod
Date of Presentation/Defense	2009-04-29
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract “One-dimensional” nanostructures like nanotubes and nanorods hold great potential for a wide variety of applications. In particular, one-dimensional nanostructures may be able to provide many significant advantages over traditional spherical particles for drug delivery applications. Recent studies have shown that long, filamentous particles circulate longer within the body than spherical particles, giving them more time to reach the target area and deliver their payload more efficiently. In addition, studies investigating the diffusion of drugs through nanochannels have shown that the drug diffusion profiles can be controlled by varying the nanochannel diameter when the drug diameter and nanochannel diameter are close in size. The combination of increased circulation time and controllable drug release profiles give onedimensional nanostructure great potential for future drug release applications. To fully realize this potential, a simple, low cost, and versatile fabrication method for one-dimensional nanostructures needs to be developed and exploited. The objective of this work is to demonstrate the versatility of template-assisted nanofabrication methods by fabricating a variety of unique protein and polymer one-dimensional nanostructures. This demonstration includes the adaptation of two different template-assisted methods, namely layer-by-layer assembly and template wetting, to fabricate glucose oxidase nanocapsules with both ends sealed, segmented polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) nanorods, and poly(L-lactide)-poly(methyl methacrylate) core-shell nanowires with adjustable shell layer thicknesses. The unique nanostructure morphologies that were achieved using our novel fabrication methods will open the arena for future research focused on process control and optimization for specific applications.
Files	Dougherty.pdf

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