Dual-discipline disinfection

Brandon House ’27 knew he wanted to pursue research in his undergraduate years, but didn’t expect to work within two different disciplines — biology and chemical engineering — to do so. 

This summer, as part of the new Science and Engineering Catalyst Center Summer Fellowship Program, he helped advance the research of mentors Yvonne Sun, associate professor of biology, and Erick Vasquez, associate professor of chemical and materials engineering. Their goal? To use nanotechnology to create disinfectant-coated particles that protect food sources from listeria.

“It was really intensive working with two different departments,” House said. “But, it was really fun to enhance my skills in biology while gaining completely new knowledge about chemical engineering.”

Their research involves developing nanoparticles coated in chitosan, a natural disinfectant derived from crustacean shells, as an alternative for harsh antibacterial chemicals. The ultimate goal is to use the coated nanoparticles as a safer method for transporting nutritious foods to developing countries.

House described the moment of finally creating the chitosan-coated nanoparticles this summer as incredibly rewarding.

“It was crazy just to watch this whole experiment we'd planned out for so long unfold and work,” he said.

As a pre-medicine and neuroscience double major, House found the content of the research, as well as the workload pace, to be similar to that of his typical course load, allowing him to improve his studying and organizational skills while applying his content knowledge to a real-world scenario aimed at helping others. 

Plus, he’s even found some overlap in his research skills with his experience as a new member of UD Emergency Medical Services (EMS). 

“In research, you have to take into account other perspectives with an objective mind, and in healthcare, you have to take care of people without showing judgment even if they have different medical opinions than yours.”

House is looking forward to continuing this research project with both departments this fall semester, running further tests on the nanoparticle material’s properties and evaluating its anti-bacterial effectiveness. 

“I would definitely recommend anyone from any major interested in research to find a mentor and do some research,” House said. “It really expands your knowledge about what you're learning in lectures and labs, and actually apply it to do some good in a real setting.”

Photos contributed.