NEWS:  

4/26/2024
Congratulations to Oluwatobi (Tobi) Aderotoye on her successful defense of master’s thesis entitled:

“Exploring the Influence of Fatty Acids and Emulsifiers on the Physicochemical Properties of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs)”

 Thesis committee members: Drs. Talanova, Kim, Harris, and Galib.

4/25/2024

Poster presentations for Howard University Research Month

 Presenters: Jesenia, Edward, Sophia, Raiyan, and Gigi.

Poster presentations for Howard University Research Month

Raiyan Rashid  
Impact of Fatty Acyl Chain Length on Physicochemical Properties of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Abstract: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are versatile carriers for therapeutic molecules ranging from lipophilic small molecules to mRNA vaccines, which tend to be prone to degradation. The biodegradable nature, stability, reduced toxicity, and solvent-free preparation of SLNs make them advantageous over previous lipid-based carriers. Because of their lipophilicity, SLNs can bypass conventional barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, hepatic first-pass metabolism, and others, and enhance the bioavailability of therapeutic molecules. In their simplest form, SLNs are composed of a core of fatty acid that is solid at room temperature, and surfactants and other molecules can be added for further stability. The small size of an SLN improves bioavailability, while the surface charge prevents individual particles from aggregating and improves stability. In this project, SLNs have been synthesized using saturated fatty acids of differing acyl chain lengths (myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), and stearic (18:0)), with sodium taurodeoxycholate as the surfactant. The effects of the fatty acyl chain length on the size and surface charge, or zeta potential, of the SLNs were investigated. The stability of the SLNs was studied by measuring the size and zeta potential on the day of formulation and 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after formulation. Since SLNs can be stable without refrigeration, they can be administered to individuals in Global South communities without access to refrigeration. These studies will be beneficial for optimizing SLNs for this application, which will contribute to better health outcomes globally.

Sophia Brooks 
TBA
Abstract: TBA

Jesenia Wofford 
Exploring Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Targeted Skin Therapy
Abstract: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as promising drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility, controlled release properties, and potential for targeted therapy. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) represent an innovative approach for drug delivery in combating many skin issues such as aging, cancer, and skin allergies, addressing many challenges in the cosmetic field. In this study, we synthesized SLNs composed of different lipids such as stearic, mystic, and palmitic acid and use of TDC as an emulsifier, utilizing the cold quenching method, yielding particles with both a negative charge and an average size of under 200 nm utilizing the DLS apparatus. Additionally, we assessed the efficacy of drug loading using Nile Red as a surrogate for dermatological therapeutics, providing insights into the potential of SLNs for effective cosmetic interventions. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting SLNs as promising vehicles for targeted drug delivery and underscore their significance in cosmetic interventions aimed at addressing many skin concerns.

Edward Onochie 
TBA
Abstract: TBA

Njideka (Gigi) Maduakor 
The chemical compositional analysis of diapausing Culex pipiens by FTIR
Abstract: Female Culex pipiens, take various sources of carbohydrates during diapause in preparation for winter. We investigate the effects of different carbohydrate uptake on the biosynthesis and accumulation of glycogen and lipids which are essential for overwintering using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).  Although there are various biochemical methods available for quantifying lipid and glycogen accumulations, FTIR represents a highly sensitive method that can enable direct quantification for each organism. Our goal is to measure and quantify the effects of carbohydrate composition on the glycogen and lipid accumulations in individual mosquitoes.  Diapause female Culex pipiens after adult eclosion were fed for 7 days on sponges soaked with 10% glucose, fructose, or sucrose. After the 7-day feeding, the mosquitoes were frozen at − 80 °C then lyophilized for 3 days. FTIR spectra were collected from lyophilized individual intact mosquitoes as well as pulverized multiple individuals.  The spectra were normalized to the amide I and II intensities.  FTIR spectra of diapause females fed with different carbohydrates are shown in figures The narrow absorption bands that are hidden by the broad component are analyzed by taking the first and second-order derivatives of the spectra. The second-order derivative spectra provided resolution of the lipid absorption bands at 2920 and 2850 cm-1 that corresponded to the CH2 antisymmetric and symmetric vibrational modes, and 1078 cm-1 for COH in-plane bending for glycogen. The second-order derivative spectra analysis revealed that different carbohydrate uptake resulted in the changed glycogen and lipid accumulations in diapausing mosquitoes.

September 18, 2023
Congratulations to Jesenia Wofford, Sophia Brooks, Edward Onochie, and Raiyan Rashid as recipients of the Dow-SURE Scholarship.

April 18, 2023  Publication: Using molecular straps to engineer conjugated porous polymer growth, chemical doping, and conductivity