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Research Project Description:
Blood loss following trauma is the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States. Current technology, such as QuikClot, effectively encourages clotting in external wounds, but leads to inflammation due to use of non-biocompatible materials. This study addresses the effectiveness of Silica Nanoparticles (SNP) at reducing clot time of human plasma for potential later use as an injectable, internal blood coagulant. This study uses real-time fluorescence and microscopy to track changes in clotting time with varying concentrations and delivery mechanisms of SNP. In solution, the SNP was found to encourage clotting at concentrations at or above .125mg/mL. In pellet form, the SNP seems to encourage clotting, but was not quantifiable using the detection methods at this time.
Research Project Attachments:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 MRLRET-bloodCoag2.pdf | 9.67 MB |
Curriculum Project Year:
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This curriculum introduces students to the field of nanotechnology, a growing field in science with a wide array of potential applications. It supplements the high school science curriculum and can be adapted into a variety of classrooms, including biology or chemistry, while developing inquiry skills and the ability of students to produce and support claims. The curriculum guides students through three essential questions: What is nanotechnology, how does it work and for what is it used? Students investigate concepts of scale, derive the importance of surface area in nanotechnology through various engaging activities and demos, and explore a variety of applications of nanomaterials. Culminating lessons include investigations of medical applications of nanoparticles including a mini-activity based on a research project on internal blood clotting and a “Build a Particle” activity in which students design their own nanoparticle to solve a specific problem such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, asthma or antimicrobial resistance.
