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Tunable Effect of Metal Ions on Polyelectrolyte Mechanics

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Date Issued:
2018
Abstract/Description:
Polyelectrolyte based hydrogel fibers can mimic extracellular matrix and have applications such as drug delivery and tissue scaffolding. Metal ions play a critical role in hydrogel fiber stability via electrostatic interactions, but knowledge of how they modulate mechanical properties of individual polyelectrolyte polymers is lacking. In this study, electrospun polyacrylic acid with chitosan is used as a model system to evaluate ferric ion effect on nanofiber mechanics. Using dark field microscopy imaging and persistence length analysis, we demonstrate that ferric ions modulate the bending stiffness of nanofibers. Young's modulus of individual nanofibers is estimated at values of a few kilopascals, suggesting that electrospun nanofibers possibly exist in a hydrated state. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate the effect of ferric ions on polyacrylic acid molecular bonds. Our results suggest that metal ions can regulate single nanofiber stiffness, thereby providing designs to fabricate hydrogels in a tunable fashion.
Title: Tunable Effect of Metal Ions on Polyelectrolyte Mechanics.
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Name(s): Diaz, Angie, Author
Kang, Hyeran, Committee Chair
Zhai, Lei, Committee Member
Tetard, Laurene, Committee Member
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2018
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Polyelectrolyte based hydrogel fibers can mimic extracellular matrix and have applications such as drug delivery and tissue scaffolding. Metal ions play a critical role in hydrogel fiber stability via electrostatic interactions, but knowledge of how they modulate mechanical properties of individual polyelectrolyte polymers is lacking. In this study, electrospun polyacrylic acid with chitosan is used as a model system to evaluate ferric ion effect on nanofiber mechanics. Using dark field microscopy imaging and persistence length analysis, we demonstrate that ferric ions modulate the bending stiffness of nanofibers. Young's modulus of individual nanofibers is estimated at values of a few kilopascals, suggesting that electrospun nanofibers possibly exist in a hydrated state. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate the effect of ferric ions on polyacrylic acid molecular bonds. Our results suggest that metal ions can regulate single nanofiber stiffness, thereby providing designs to fabricate hydrogels in a tunable fashion.
Identifier: CFE0006993 (IID), ucf:51625 (fedora)
Note(s): 2018-05-01
M.S.
Graduate Studies, Nanoscience Technology Center
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Polyelectrolyte -- Nanofiber -- Hydrogel -- Metal Ions -- Persistence Length -- Mechanics -- Young's Modulus
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006993
Restrictions on Access: campus 2019-05-15
Host Institution: UCF

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