Force Clamp Measurements and Dynamic Modeling of Protein Hydrogels
Mentor 1
Dr. Ionel Popa
Mentor 2
Dr. Istvan Lauko
Location
Union 260
Start Date
28-4-2017 1:00 PM
Description
Protein hydrogels show great promise in their applications to developing smart biomaterials and drug delivery systems. A protein hydrogel is defined to be a highly cross-linked network of individual multi-domain proteins. Variable protein constructs and concentrations allow for protein hydrogels to exhibit highly malleable mechanical properties. Here we examine the force specific response of protein hydrogels made from different protein concentrations, and provide a dynamic mathematical model for hydrogel extension. By mathematically modeling individual protein's orientation and force-dependent domain unfolding within the hydrogel we may explain the macroscopically observed elastic and mechanical properties, such as their hysteresis and stress-relaxation response. Measurements done using a novel force-clamp instrument allow for the verification of this mathematical model. The development of this mathematical model, in association with force-clamp measurements, serve as stepping stone for formulating the future of protein-based smart materials, such as those used in artificial skin and 3-D organ printing.
Force Clamp Measurements and Dynamic Modeling of Protein Hydrogels
Union 260
Protein hydrogels show great promise in their applications to developing smart biomaterials and drug delivery systems. A protein hydrogel is defined to be a highly cross-linked network of individual multi-domain proteins. Variable protein constructs and concentrations allow for protein hydrogels to exhibit highly malleable mechanical properties. Here we examine the force specific response of protein hydrogels made from different protein concentrations, and provide a dynamic mathematical model for hydrogel extension. By mathematically modeling individual protein's orientation and force-dependent domain unfolding within the hydrogel we may explain the macroscopically observed elastic and mechanical properties, such as their hysteresis and stress-relaxation response. Measurements done using a novel force-clamp instrument allow for the verification of this mathematical model. The development of this mathematical model, in association with force-clamp measurements, serve as stepping stone for formulating the future of protein-based smart materials, such as those used in artificial skin and 3-D organ printing.
