(555g) Invited talk: Lipid-based systems: From therapeutics to in vitro models

Lipid constructs are ubiquitous and advancing healthcare technologies through advancements in therapeutics and in vitro model systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and liposomes serve as delivery vehicles for nucleic acids and small molecules by improving transfection efficiency, targeting, and stability of their loaded cargo. Additionally, lipid structures, including lipid vesicles and lipid bilayers, are useful tools to understand molecular interactions at biological interfaces. This talk will discuss strategies for using lipids for both therapeutic and in vitro model applications. Methods to manufacture LNPs and liposomes, characterization, stability, and in vitro studies will be discussed for nucleic acid (e.g. messenger RNA (mRNA)) loaded LNPs and small molecule (e.g. antifungal) loaded liposomes. This talk will also discuss the formation and use of multi-lipid bilayers representative of placental trophoblast lipid bilayers for pharmaceutical and environmental toxicant interaction studies.