Thesis Defense Announcement

Herff College of Engineering announces the Final Thesis Defense of

Paul Cameron

for the Degree of Master of Science

July 29, 2019 at 1:00 PM in Engineering Technology ,Room ET200

Advisor: Joel D. Bumgardner

Electrospun Chitosan Membranes Loaded with Raspberry Ketone to Induce Differentiation in Preosteoblasts

ABSTRACT:Electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCM) modified with short chain fatty acids have shown promise as biocompatible and biodegradable guided bone regeneration (GBR) membranes for preventing soft tissue migration into craniofacial bone graft sites. Raspberry ketone (4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one; RK), a naturally occurring phenolic compound, has shown potential to stimulate the differentiation of osteoblastic precursors, thereby accelerating the bone-healing process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of adding RK to ESCMs to create a bioactive membrane capable of stimulating bone cell differentiation. In this study, the release patterns of RK loaded at 100, 250 or 500μg/1 cm diameter ESCM discs modified by one of three different fatty acids (acetic anhydride, butyric anhydride, or hexanoic anhydride) were examined. It was found that the type of fatty acid used to treat the membranes affected the release profile of RK. RK release lengthened with increasing length of fatty acid chain used. RK loaded membranes were also evaluated for cytocompatibility and ability to stimulate the differentiation and mineralization of the W-20-17 mouse stromal cell line as compared to BMP-2. It was also found that RK was not toxic to cells at concentrations of 100, 250 or 500μg/1 cm diameter ESCM discs. However, RK-loaded membranes did not show that they were able to induce differentiation in pre-osteoblasts. This is likely due to RK being released too fast to have an effect on the cells. If the delivery system can be optimized, electrospun chitosan membranes loaded with raspberry ketone have potential to be used in guided bone regeneration procedures.