We investigate the use of different polymer architectures and patterns to understand the effects different coacervate architectures have when interacting with biomacromolecules. In addition, we study how incorporating other structures, such as liposomes, affect coacervation.

mRNA-based therapeutics, particularly vaccines, have become a novel method of fighting disease. However, this technology is limited by its need for very cold temperatures. Two COVID-19 vaccines utilize mRNA technology, but these therapeutics require cold storage at -20°C or -70°C. Freezers at these low temperatures are not overly common. Hospitals and some other clinic and outpatient facilities may have -20°C freezers due to the chicken pox vaccine, but very, very few facilities have easy access to -70°C freezers outside of research institutions, especially prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we investigate the ability to stabilize various RNA types working up to mRNA and learn how different types of RNA interact with other charge polymers for biomedical applications.

Though much of the coacervate applications are in the liquid phase, we wish to explore the potential to use these polymeric complexes in the solid phase for uses such as bandages.