Surgical care suffers from a lack of materials that enable patient-specific intervention. The study of practical and efficient tissue sealants has the propensity to enhance surgical competency and reduce the incidence of complications. Towards this goal, we utilize solution blow spinning to rapidly generate conformal polymer fiber mats directly on any surface, including tissue. Using principles of polymer engineering, these sprayed materials can be tuned to prevent unwanted protein adsorption while maintaining biodegradability and biocompatibility. The combination of these properties makes these sprays optimal for preventing surgical adhesions.

The formation of post-operative adhesions is a common complication in laparoscopic surgeries that leads to a multitude of health issues if not treated. Current methods of treatment include employing physical barriers which have low efficacies and are often too brittle to be employed in laparoscopic surgeries which requires the film to fit through small openings. Assessment of polymer films has shown improved adhesions prevention and feasibility to be employed in laparoscopic surgeries.

This research will aim to study the fundamental science behind maximizing capacity delivery from high-energy battery cells at low temperatures (down to -40°C). We seek to identify suitable electrolytes to achieve low-temperature battery performance. Our ultimate goal is to develop promising electrolyte formulations for battery cells with graphite/silicon anodes and high-Ni Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) cathodes

The development of aqueous gel polymer electrolytes and composite cathodes for lithium-ion batteries can lead to safer, more mechanically robust batteries that are able to utilize higher voltage cathodes. Creating a seamless interface between the gel electrolyte and electrode will allow for increase in ionic conduction channels and lower resistance faced by the lithium-ions leading to the use of higher energy electrodes. The goal is to create a safer, high-energy battery through the inclusion of the aqueous solid electrolyte and the removal of fluorinated components. 

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