Date of Award

5-1-2012

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Biological and Irrigation Engineering

Abstract

The objective of this project is to create a user-friendly, automated flow regulation system for a tangential flow filtration (TFF) process. These filtration units are crucial for the initial stages of extracting the spider silk proteins from transgenic goat milk. Automated flow regulation systems do exist, but not at an appropriate scale for this application. This system will allow bench-top studies to be conducted with automated efficiency. Spider silk is an amazing material and if commercially available, it could be used in hundreds of applications. Currently, cost effective production is the most significant issue stopping large-scale production and use of spider silk. An increased availability of spider silk would allow for exploration into new applications. The TFF system already produces valuable spider silk protein and automating the process will result in increased quantities of spider silk proteins. With larger amounts of protein available, researchers are better able to explore the many exciting applications of spider silk proteins.

Included in

Biotechnology Commons

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Faculty Mentor

Dr. Randolph V. Lewis