Mohammed Harp
Pronouns: he/him
Research Mentor(s): Albert Liu
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Chemical Engineering / Engineering
Program:
Authors: Matthew Manion, Mohammed Harp, Albert Liu
Session: Session 1: 9:00 am – 9:50 am
Poster: 42
Abstract
Liposomes have been a novel yet integral method for the study of cell structure and applications of bilayer interactions. Formed by a phospholipid bilayer, liposomal vesicles provide relatively inexpensive and efficient cell mimicking bodies for a myriad of applications. However, effective and reproducible procedures in synthesizing liposomes of specific parameters have been particularly difficult in repeated synthesis and manufacturing aspects. In this research paper, we present a current review and analysis of our current work on a novel set of parameters to enable the synthesis of liposomes to form 50 nm or 200 nm diameters. Developing from past liposomes of small unilamellar vesicles, or SUVs methodologies, combinations of certain intensities and durations of processes could enable SUVs to be synthesized with increased amounts of 50 nm to 200 nm diameters. The solid dispersion methodology was the foundation of methodology changes. This process includes the composition of the lipid solution, 84% DOPC in 16% cholesterol, being drop-cast and dried through a vacuum chamber and rotary evaporator, sonicated, and immediately hydrated to achieve SUV formation. Namely, three parameters were manipulated: lipid composition, duration of vacuum desiccation, and the recent usage of a rotary evaporator. Copolymer, Pluronic F-127, and additive, biotin, allowed the measurement of varying SUV sizes which minimally differed in SUV diameters of approximately 150 nm. Greatest volumes and consistency of SUVs with diameters 50 nm or 200 nm were found in vacuum durations greater than 3 hours. Recent rotary evaporator measurements find increased consistency of SUVs around 100 nm.
