Honors Program
Date of this Version
Spring 3-15-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
Haworth, A. 2021. Deposition of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Nitric Oxide on Electrospun Nanofibrous Matrices using Avidin-Biotin Binding. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical molecule that exists in biological systems. NO plays a role in normal biological functions, but high levels of nitric oxide are also associated with unhealthy conditions such as inflammation and cancer. NO has a short half-life, making it difficult to detect in vivo, and hindering efforts to understand its significance in both healthy and diseased states. One method of detecting NO involves wrapping single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) in DNA, creating a quenching-based fluorescence sensor. However, an effective platform for implanting these sensors in vivo is needed. One potential platform, which utilizes electrospun nanofibers, is explored here. Electrospun nanofibers provide mechanical strength, stability, and durability – all of these factors are important for in vivo placement. We have demonstrated the effective binding of the SWNT sensors to the nanofibers using avidin-biotin binding, the preservation of a fluorescent signal over time, and the functionality of the sensors while attached to the nanofibers.
Comments
Copyright Abigail Haworth 2021