Publication Date
Summer 2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biomedical Engineering
Advisor
Anand Ramasubramanian; Ella Sugerman; Sang-Joon Lee
Abstract
Clot contraction is a platelet-driven process that compacts fibrin networks and stabilizes hemostatic plugs, but the Conventional assays primarily report bulk coagulation and often miss microscale structural changes. This study uses thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) microspheres to explore clot contraction. Antibody-conjugated PNIPAAm microspheres were synthesized via reverse emulsion polymerization, functionalized with Sulfo-SANPAH chemistry, characterized for size and temperature-dependent contraction, and incorporated into platelet-poor and FXIII-depleted plasma clots imaged by fluorescence and confocal microscopy. The platform produced reproducible, thermoresponsive microspheres and robust diameter-based results for clot-associated particle behavior. These results establish a stable PNIPAAm-based system for microscale interrogation of clot contraction and highlight the need for more structural or measurements over time to capture subtle FXIII-mediated effects relevant to clot contraction disorders.
Recommended Citation
Bhatia, Akansha, "Synthesis and Conjugation of PNIPAAm Particles to Evaluate Structure of Contracted Clots in FXIII-Depleted Plasma" (2026). Master's Theses. 5819.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31979/etd.kgaj-4svp
https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/etd_theses/5819
