Introduction

Hi everyone, I’m Chelsea and welcome to my Senior Project blog!

Through my project, I hope to use Silk Fibroin (SF), a protein from the Bombyx mori silkworm, to create drug-loaded microsphere carriers. My project is specifically focused on the treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS), so the goal of my research is to fabricate SF microspheres loaded with lung surfactant, which is critical for improving oxygenation in newborns. As I mentioned in my abstract, the prevailing treatment for NRDS lung surfactant delivery is through the INtubation-SURfactant Extubation (INSURE) method. Unfortunately, this method is inefficient, dangerous, and poses increased risks for pulmonary injuries in newborns. My research intervenes here and proposes a safer, innovative approach by delivering lung surfactant through biomaterials, specifically SF surfactant-loaded microspheres. Over the next few weeks, I’ll focus on devising a method to create these microspheres and then examine their fabrication and characteristics.

Coming up for the first week of my Senior Project, I will be focusing on a very crucial part of all research: literature review! I plan on looking closely at past research that has created protocols for creating SF microspheres and what steps and materials will be necessary for carrying out the methodology for microsphere fabrication.

I am super excited to work on this project as it could contribute substantial advancement in neonatal intensive care units, offering a more reliable and safer treatment for NRDS. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and trials (and errors) with you all!