Source: Xiuzhi "Susan" 1xbet online games login , 785-532-4077, xss@k-state.edu
http://www.k-state.edu/media/mediaguide/bios/sunbio.html
Photos available: http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/oct11/SusanSun102611.jpg
and http://www.k-state.edu/media/images/oct11/SusanSunlab102611.jpg
Photo cutline: For both photos --Xiuzhi "Susan" 1xbet online games login in her laboratory at Kansas State University.
News release prepared by: Greg Tammen, 785-532-4486, gtammen@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011
Distinguished professor's 1xbet online games login a patented success
MANHATTAN -- In the 16 years Xiuzhi "Susan" 1xbet online games login has been at Kansas State University, she's made a patent-worthy discovery nearly every year.
1xbet online games login is a university distinguished professor in grain science and industry and is an internationally recognized expert in bio-based materials -- specifically in soy polymer structure, synthesis and adhesion. Her focus is on how various plant and grain molecules -- like proteins, lipids and sugars -- can be used to create bio-based materials that are safer, more durable and environmentally friendly.
Currently 1xbet online games login 's work has been granted eight patents, with six more pending.
The most recent patent covers a peptide-based adhesive that could be 1xbet online games login in outer space, as its stickiness increases in drier environments. This ability means it could be ideal for affixing a heat-resistant tile to a spacecraft or a space station.
Some of her other patents cover edible and biodegradable feed packaging 1xbet online games login ; an apparatus to form these packaging 1xbet online games login ; a soy-based, formaldehyde-free adhesive that's water resistant; and high strength degradable plastics from the reactive blending of starch and poly(lactic acid).
But 1xbet online games login 's discoveries don't stop there. Her latest has potential human health applications, including repairing and replacing whole tissues.
By introducing a calcium ion to a protein molecule, 1xbet online games login and her colleagues found that the molecules form a thermostable, water-based colloidal gel, called a hydrogel. The interaction between the calcium ions and protein molecules creates tiny, cross-linking fine fibers with a nanoscale diameter -- around 10 nanometers. The resulting material has a consistency similar to jelly, even though it's nearly 100 percent water.
This novel hydrogel has unusual properties, including a rapid recovery property, 1xbet online games login said. Shaking it transforms the hydrogel into hundreds of colorless micro gels with a Newtonian flow. Though these micro gels aren't a liquid, they behave like water. After about 10 seconds, the liquid-like substance reforms into a hydrogel due to its rheological properties. Having rheological properties allows the material to be deformed into micro gels and back into a hydrogel with the shake of the hand.
"This discovery has great potential for drug delivery and 3-D cell growth for tissue engineering," 1xbet online games login said. "Potentially, it could lead to repairing or replacing bone, cartilage, blood vessels and skin."
Based on published information, this is currently the only protein-binding calcium that's led to a 1xbet online games login , as well as the fastest rapid recovery speed and the smallest molecular weight.
1xbet online games login 's work has also led to developing a novel soy oil-based resin that can be used for transparent duct and packing tapes.
"I have always felt so rewarded if any of the technologies developed from my laboratory have commercial values that improve our environment and make the world a better place," said 1xbet online games login , who was inspired by stories about famous scientists like Sir Isaac Newton during her teenage years.
1xbet online games login established and leads Kansas State University's Bio Materials and Technology Laboratory and is co-director and founder of the university's Center for Biobased Polymers By Design.
1xbet online games login 's work is earning a high recognition. She will receive the Irvin Youngberg Award for Applied Sciences, which is one of the Higuchi-University of Kansas Endowment Research Achievement Awards. The award includes a plaque and a ,000 grant to be used for research materials, summer salaries, fellowship matching funds, hiring research assistants or other research support.