Sample interview questions: How do you approach the design and synthesis of polymers for specific biomedical applications?
Sample answer:
Approaching the Design and Synthesis of Polymers for Biomedical Applications
1. Define Application-Specific Requirements:
- Determine the intended biomedical function (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostic imaging).
- Specify performance parameters (e.g., biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties).
2. Select Monomers and Polymerization Methods:
- Consider monomers that provide desired functionalities, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and biodegradability.
- Choose polymerization techniques that allow precise control of molecular weight, composition, and architecture.
3. Design Polymer Structure and Architecture:
- Optimize polymer chain length and distribution for desired properties.
- Explore block copolymers, hydrogels, and other architectures to enhance functionality.
- Incorporate functional groups (e.g., biorecognition ligands, drug conjugation sites) to tailor polymer-biomolecule interactions.
4. Characterize and Validate Polymer Properties:
- Conduct extensive characterization to assess molecular weight, composition, structure, and functional properties.
- Test biocompatibility, biodegradability, and performance in relevant biomedical models.
5. Surface Modification and Functionalization:
- Modify polymer surfaces with biocompatible coatings or bioactive agents … Read full answer