Date of Last Revision
2023-05-03 05:07:08
Major
Chemical Engineering - Cooperative Education
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2018
Abstract
The purpose of the project was to observe the effects of the Hofmeister series of ions on the gelation of gelatin and Pluronic-127 hydrogels. Hydrogels are semi-solid materials that contain a network of joined molecules through intermolecular interactions which are capable of holding water. Gelatin and Pluronic-127 (PF-127) are thermoreversible, physical crosslinked gels. Gelation occurs when temperature, or other driving forces, reduce the polymer chain solubility until a distinct 2-phase system forms. When aqueous ions are present in solution, they exhibit specific ion effects that have either a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the solubility of proteins and other polymers. The qualitative ordering of ions based on their ability to precipitate proteins is what is known as the Hofmeister series. The goal of the experiment was to show the specific ion effects on the time and rate of hydrogel gelation relative to their position in the Hofmeister series. The viscosity as a function of time was measured to show gelation progression. Both Hofmeister anions and cations were tested and compared to show the change in gelation properties due to a change in the relative destabilizing effects of these ions. The learnings from this paper will help to better understand the effects of salts present in time-critical gelation applications such as drug delivery.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Bi-min Zhang Newby
First Reader
Dr. Lingyun Liu
Second Reader
Dr. Jie Zheng
Recommended Citation
Britton, Eric, "Effects of Hofmeister Ions on Gelation of Gelatin and Pluronic Hydrogels" (2018). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 697.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/697