Presented at "MADMEC Materials Science Solutions for Sustainability" Competition 2018
Award: Finalist (Among Top 5 Teams)
Position: Team Lead
Summer/Fall 2018
Our team synthesized a mechanically functionalized hydrogel to support deep-sea microorganism growth in laboratory environments. Deep-sea microorganisms thrive under high pressure, so the hydrogel must withstand large compressive loads. The hydrogel was mechanically strengthened by crosslinking biocompatible polymers at the pore sites. Microorganisms similar to those in the deeps sea were grown in the hydrogel, and the material was tested at oceanic temperatures and pHs.
Our 2018 MADMEC team, HydroHome, was the only undergraduate team finalist team.