Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a form of drug delivery vehicle, notable for their use in COVID-19 vaccines. LNPs encapsulate and protect nucleic acids (NA) and enable their delivery to cells. Currently, interactions within the core of LNPs are poorly understood, particularly between NA, water, and lipids, which are integral to the long-term stability and release efficiency of LNP formulations. This work analyzes physical properties of LNPs before and after stress treatments, and how LNP composition modifies the response to these stresses. This work suggests that the presence of NA alters the internal structure of LNPs, and that some physicochemical properties of lipids present in LNP formulations, as well as the conditions of the buffer surrounding the LNP, can impact NA release.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Callen, Warren
• Robinson, Steven

Subject

• Health
• Innovation
• Project-Based Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 121274
• E-project-042224-105932

Keyword

• Drug delivery
• Structure
• LNP
• Lipid Nanoparticle
• Nucleic acids

Advisor

• Bailey, Christina M.

Year

• 2024

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Date created

• 2024-04-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Source

• E-project-042224-105932

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2024-05-28