b'Project-Based Learning: Enhanced Drug Deliver through Micelle-Turmeric ComplexationWilliam T. Wilson, Jamie L. Grady and Cortney L. TaylorSponsor: Dr. Tolulope Salami, Department of ChemistryAn integral component of many traditional approaches to medicine is the regular ingestion of various plants. One such medicinal plant is the rhizome of the Curcuma longa (turmeric). Research has shown that the phytochemical, polyphenol curcumin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory, when in combination with a plant-based alkaloid, piperine. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin make it a versatile supplement for an array of potential clinical applications. We will report some of our results obtained in the Project-Based Learning (PBL) biomaterials course where we identify a problem (disease or condition) and design a bioactive device that has the potential to solve that problem. Our project involves the use of micelles as a drug delivery device for curcumin. One of the main hindrances for the controlled delivery of curcumin is the hydrophobicity, thus we propose increasing the solubility by suspension in micelles. Our poster will showcase some of our proposed chemical complexation reactions and the delivery mechanism of the micelles.Construction of a Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Solar Cell using Plum Pigment ExtractKayla R. MillsSponsor: Dr. Linda De La Garza, Department of ChemistryPlums (Prunus Salicina) are darkly colored fruits which are known to contain anthocyanin pigments. During photosynthesis, anthocyanins are what protects the fruits from UV light and help attract pollinators to them such as bees. Anthocyanins were used to construct dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cells since they are able to bind titanium dioxide to the hydroxide groups in their chemical structure. The process for extraction of the pigments included soaking the peels of the plums in acidified ethanol solution. The absorbance spectrum was obtained with a UV-VIS spectrophotometer which showed a peak at 530 nanometers. The plums pigment extract will be used to modify the titanium dioxide in dye-sensitized solar cells which will be further characterized measuring photocurrents with and without irradiation.30'