Date of Award

Spring 2007

Document Type

Legacy Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Chemistry

College

College of Science

First Advisor

John Alan Goodwin

Abstract/Description

The perfluoronated ionomer Nafion® has been investigated as a surface for medical implants since the early 1990's largely due to its biocompatibility. One method for assessing the capability of surfaces to reduce inflammatory response is by use of 3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) that gradually decomposes in the presence of air to form nitric oxide (NO) and the superoxide ion (O2–) in PBS buffer. As these form, they quickly combine to form peroxynitrite (ONOO−), known to play a key role in the biochemistry of inflammation. Adding 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPA) to a solution of SIN-1 results in nitration to form N02HPA by way of the peroxynitrite thus formed. Using these in combination with other biocompatible surfaces has previously been a useful approach to identifying the role of the surface in catalytic decomposition of peroxynitrite. In this study Nafion® has now shown a similar reduction of the nitration of 4-HPA, in the presence of SIN-1.

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