Novel polypyrrole derivatives to enhance conductive polymer-tissue interactions

Developing materials that interact effectively with surrounding tissue is a major obstacle in sensor and drug delivery research. The body's natural immune response prevents foreign objects from easily integrating with an organism. Without an intimate link between a biomedical device and the proximate environment, reliable measurements or delivery of molecules is not possible. Many of the current materials used for biomedical applications are centered on inert substances and polymers that degrade in the body but have limited functional capabilities. This thesis work addresses the need to develop materials that are capable of interacting in biological environments. Polypyrrole (PPy) is a conducting polymer that is a promising biomaterial for drug delivery and sensing applications. Because PPy is a polymer that can be made in degradable forms and because it can be stimulated electrically, it is an interactive platform for biomedical applications. By accomplishing the following research objectives, this thesis work could help develop an effective polymeric paradigm for tissue interactions: 1) Develop a new method to effectively micro-pattern electrodeposited polymers and metals for in vivo devices 2) Determine the optimal synthesis conditions of the conductive polymer, PPy, for sensor and implant applications.

Department dc:contributor.department

Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2005

Author dc:creator

• George, Paul M. (Paul Matthew)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Robert Langer.

• Harvard University--MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33843
• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Identifier URI

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/33843

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/33843