Degree
Master of Engineering Science
Program
Biomedical Engineering
Supervisor
Dr. Wankei Wan
Abstract
Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer diagnosis worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common diagnoses. Fortunately, these cancers are rarely fatal if detected and treated early on. However, current treatment options can be painful, disfiguring and can require long-term treatment courses, resulting in poor patient compliance and cancer progression. Since SCC begins as precancerous lesions, an opportunity exists for early preventative interventions which this work aims to address. We produced stabilized microfibers via centrifugal spinning and UV photocrosslinking composed of poly(ethylene oxide) functionalized with cinnamoyl chloride. Curcumin, a molecule known for its anti-cancer properties was loaded into the stabilized fibers and exhibited sustained release. The dose-dependent effect of free curcumin on A549 cancer cells was investigated. This work demonstrates the potential for this system as a transdermal delivery device for the treatment of skin cancer.
Recommended Citation
La, Julie, "Synthesis and Evaluation of a Novel Polymer Microfiber Drug Delivery System" (2015). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 2984.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/2984