Muntaqim's insight into lipid nanoparticle research

Hi, my name is Muntaqim, and I'm currently pursuing my BSc Honours in Biotechnology at the University of British Columbia, Canada. I am thrilled to share my experiences from my eight-month coop at Evonik in the Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) department, where I have been working on numerous projects including the development of high-throughput assays for total cholesterol and total RNA, as well as the optimization of high-throughput screening of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. 

Discovering Evonik 

Through my studies, I was already familiar with Evonik as a key player in the LNP field. My first personal contact took place at the UBC-BCIT Biotechnology Networking Night. After gaining experience in academic labs, I was keen to understand how industry operates, which ultimately led me to Evonik. 

My Role and Responsibilities 

Upon starting my coop, I joined the RD&I team, where I assisted on various projects and worked on some of my own. One focus was developing a cholesterol assay kit and a total RNA assay using the BioTek 3 Plate Reader. We explored whether total lipid concentration could be measured more quickly by using cholesterol as a common lipid marker, evaluating a cholesterol E assay kit for this purpose. We also tested the BioTek Take 3 plate assay as a faster method for assessing total mRNA to support initial screening and reduce the cost and time of the ribogreen assay. 

My main responsibility was to develop and validate these assays through trial and error and comparison with existing methods. Although working independently felt overwhelming at first, I quickly adapted thanks to the supportive team. 

Experiences that last 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my internship has been learning from experienced professionals. The collaborative atmosphere enabled meaningful discussions and provided invaluable insights. Personal interactions, team-building activities, and workshops also made the coop a truly memorable experience. 

Conclusion 

Reflecting on my coop at Evonik, I can confidently say it has been a transformative experience. I have gained a wealth of knowledge, honed my skills, and built lasting relationships that I will carry into my future career.