Lipid nanoparticles are a clinically advanced drug delivery vehicle with capacity for expanded therapeutic uses and applications. Treating gynecological and reproductive health conditions requires advancements in tailored drug delivery vehicles, and lipid nanoparticles are a promising candidate. This talk will detail steps towards designing lipid nanoparticles for women’s reproductive health, including characterization techniques and lipid composition choices. We have designed lipid nanoparticles for delivery to placental trophoblast cells with the long-term goal of treating pregnancy complications. The placenta is a temporary organ that develops alongside a growing fetus, serves many crucial roles throughout pregnancy, and has unique regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Trophoblast cells, the main cell type comprising the placenta, are important for nutrient and waste transport as well as invading the maternal endometrium and myometrium. Abnormalities in trophoblast behavior can lead to pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. We have demonstrated that lipid nanoparticle composition influences nucleic acid delivery to both placental trophoblast cells and placental stem cells. Further, we have identified the influence of placental growth conditions, including oxygen tension, extracellular matrix material, growth factors, and hormones influence lipid nanoparticle delivery to trophoblast cells. Lipid nanoparticle characterization techniques, design of the particle composition, and the placental microenvironment are all key components towards lipid nanoparticle use for prenatal health that will be discussed throughout this talk
