Fe3+ and Photocrosslinkable Tissue Adhesive Intended for Surgical Wound Healing

My research project, titled Fe3+ and Photocrosslinkable Tissue Adhesive Intended for Surgical Wound Healing, was to develop a new wound dressing to replace current post-op surgical sealants. In my lab, we took modified gelatin and crosslinked it with Fe3+ ions and visible light to form a hydrogel that was subjected to adhesion and strength tests on a variety of surfaces. We plan on conducting tests for cytocompatibility and improving the elasticity of the gel.
There were only 16 undergraduates selected to present their projects in poster sessions at the conference, with the rest of the attendees being individuals from academia and industry. These individuals were very eager to hear what I had to say and offer their advice on my project. One person I talked to did research on the same material that I use, and his input was really valuable in helping me better understand how I can tweak the chemistry of the material to increase adhesion. These interactions made me feel like a valued member of the scientific community despite my lack of experience. In addition, I attended talks on a variety of topics like using growth factors found in cells to improve plastic surgery. The talks were fascinating and gave me good insight into the vast world of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that I have only just started exploring.
Scientific progress is dependent upon the exchange of ideas, and this conference gave me the opportunity to get involved in this conversation. I am eager to work on implementing the feedback I received on my project to move it forward in the coming months. Attending this conference has launched me on the path to becoming a better scientist and scientific communicator which I will take with me to conferences and other events in the future.

The Shout-It-Out Award (Conference Travel Award) Blog Post by Shashank Madhu
Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences ’20