Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Lauren Sestito

College

College of Engineering (COE)

Discipline(s)

Bioengineering

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Liposomes are lipid bilayer-structured spherical vesicles often utilized in targeted drug delivery systems due to their biocompatibility and versatility. In order to determine how liposome characteristics like size and charge impact drug transport and absorption within the gastrointestinal and lymphatic systems, these characteristics need to be controlled and analyzed. The goal of this research is thus to develop a panel of liposomes with controllable size and charge for use in future experiments examining the impact of liposome characteristics on lymphatic bioavailability of orally administered drugs. Neutral liposomes were synthesized from a 18:1 phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) and cholesterol and using a thin-film hydration procedure. The impact of sonication time on liposome size was assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using a Malvern Zetasizer instrument. Control of liposome stability in storage at 4°C was also assessed by monitoring liposome size over time. Liposome charge was modulated by adding an anionic phospholipid (DOPS) or cationic lipid octadecylamine (ODA) during the thin-film hydration procedure. Liposome charge was assessed by measuring zeta potential using a Malvern Zetasizer. This work establishes protocols for control of important liposome characteristics, laying the groundwork for future investigations on the impacts of size and charge on lymphatic transport of liposomes in drug delivery applications.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Audrey Parker is a junior bioengineering major with minors in mathematics and chemistry. She began studying at Valparaiso University in the fall of 2025 after completing her associates degree in engineering science from Harper College in the spring. She has been conducting research with Dr. Sestito since 2026.

Maddy Petruzzi is a freshman bioengineering major with a minor in neuroscience and a current member of the soccer team. She has been conducting research with Dr. Sestito since the fall of 2025.

Makayla Mann is a senior bioengineering major. She has been conducting research with Dr. Sestito since the spring of 2024.

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