Urna Kansakar

Ms. Urna Kansakar


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

9Years (2018-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 February 2019 in Biosensors and Bioelectronics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
JSJessica L. Scoggin
Jessica L. Scoggin
CTChao Tan
Chao Tan
NNNam H. Nguyen
Nam H. Nguyen
UKUrna Kansakar
Urna Kansakar
MMMahboubeh Madadi
Mahboubeh Madadi
Teresa Ann MurrayTeresa Ann Murray
Teresa Ann Murray

Anik KaranAnik Karan
Anik Karan
MDMargarita Darder
Margarita Darder
UKUrna Kansakar
Urna Kansakar
ZNZach Norcross
Zach Norcross
MDMark DeCoster
Mark DeCoster
We previously described the novel synthesis of a copper high-aspect ratio structure (CuHARS) biohybrid material using cystine. While extremely stable in water, CuHARS is completely (but slowly) degradable in cellular media. Here, integration of the CuHARS into cellulose matrices was carried out to provide added control for CuHARS degradation. Synthesized CuHARS was concentrated by centrifugation and then dried. The weighed mass was re-suspended in water. CuHARS was stable in water for months without degradation. In contrast, 25 μg/mL of the CuHARS in complete cell culture media was completely degraded (slowly) in 18 days under physiological conditions. Stable integration of CuHARS into cellulose matrices was achieved through assembly by mixing cellulose micro- and nano-fibers and CuHARS in an aqueous (pulp mixture) phase, followed by drying. Additional materials were integrated to make the hybrids magnetically susceptible. The cellulose-CuHARS composite films could be transferred, weighed, and cut into usable pieces; they maintained their form after rehydration in water for at least 7 days and were compatible with cell culture studies using brain tumor (glioma) cells. These studies demonstrate utility of a CuHARS-cellulose biohybrid for applied applications including: (1) a platform for biomedical tracking and (2) integration into a 2D/3D matrix using natural products (cellulose).