Liposome Nanoparticle Process Optimization
Optimized liposome nanoparticle fabrication using extrusion method to control particle size and polydispersity. Investigated effects of extrusion parameters and DLPC:cholesterol composition on vesicle characteristics using dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis.
Technical Skills Demonstrated
Nanoparticle Fabrication
- Thin-film hydration method for liposome preparation
- Extrusion through 100 nm polycarbonate membranes
- Solvent evaporation and lipid film formation
- Aseptic handling of pharmaceutical formulations
Process Parameter Optimization
- Systematic extrusion pass variation (5-15 passes)
- DLPC:cholesterol ratio optimization (4:1 to 19:1)
- Process reproducibility assessment
- Quality control parameter monitoring
Analytical Characterization
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS) operation
- Z-average diameter measurement
- Polydispersity index (PdI) determination
- Stokes-Einstein equation application
Data Analysis & Modeling
- Linear regression analysis (R² = 0.984)
- Statistical uncertainty quantification
- Process optimization curve development
- Multi-variable correlation analysis
Key Process Optimization Results
109.8 nm
Minimum Particle Size
Achieved with 15 extrusion passes, 51% reduction from initial size
0.082
Lowest Polydispersity
Optimal uniformity at maximum extrusion passes (PdI < 0.2 target)
9:1 ratio
Optimal DLPC:Cholesterol
123.9 nm size with 0.154 PdI at 11 extrusion passes
Process Engineering Impact: This research established critical process parameters for reproducible liposome manufacturing. The linear relationship between extrusion passes and size reduction (slope = -14.6 nm/pass, R² = 0.984) enables predictable particle size control. The non-monotonic behavior with cholesterol content demonstrates the importance of membrane composition optimization for achieving target specifications in pharmaceutical nanoparticle production.
Complete Research Report
Detailed fabrication methodology, DLS characterization, and process optimization analysis