Year of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Name
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Other Degree Name/Area of Focus
Drug Design
Department or School/College
Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Committee Chair
Dr. Monica Serban
Commitee Members
Dr. Monica Serban, Dr. Philippe Diaz, Dr. Brenda Mann
Keywords
drug delivery, otitis externa, sodium hyaluronate, hydrogel, silk fibroin, environmental sensing
Publisher
University of Montana
Subject Categories
Biomaterials | Medicine and Health Sciences | Translational Medical Research
Abstract
The Serban lab has previously developed and reported on a single application drug delivery system for the treatment of otitis externa. Otitis externa also known as outer ear infections is a very common ailment that impacts large portions of both human and domestic animal populations. Typical treatment for otitis externa typically requires an extended dosing regimen over several days that is inconvenient and can lead to poor clinical outcomes due to poor patient compliance. Our delivery system employs a thixotropic gel to deliver a steady dose of medication over the duration of the infection.
Here we evaluated the reproducibility and repeatability of the development process for our thixogel delivery system. We also investigated various ways to increase the shelf life of our thixogel formulation. Specifically, the employment of enzyme degradation of hyaluronic acid for size preprocessing as opposed to acid degradation that is normally used for the commercial generation of low molecular weight was investigated. In parallel we also investigated the use of silk fibroin as an additive and its impact on shelf life.
A second project that built on a fundamental understanding of the intrinsic colorimetric sensing properties of silk fibroin was also explored. Our lab has observed that silk fibroin is able to undergo visible color change post exposure to various external stimuli, namely changes in pH and UV exposure. Further understanding of these intriguing properties is a valuable first step in eventually employing silk as a natural and cheap material for environmental, and chemical monitoring applications. Therefore, my work focused on showing that silk undergoes distinct and proportional changes in color when exposed to acid or base, as well as color development to UV. Tryptophan side chains in the protein were identified as the key piece for color development. Finally, the data showed that silk can be readily enhanced with tryptophan residues to increase sensing capabilities.
Recommended Citation
Sandau, Kolton Charles, "EVALUATION OF SILK FIBROIN AND HYLAURONIC ACID AS OTIC DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM ADDITIVES; INVESTIGATION OF SILK FIBROINS RESPONSES TO ENVIROMENTAL STIMULII" (2024).
© Copyright 2024 Kolton Charles Sandau