Freezing threatens mRNA delivery, but Tris buffer helps nanoparticles retain their potency
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have teamed up with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company to uncover how storage conditions affect mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the technology behind COVID-19 vaccines and other treatments, and how to make them more effective.
Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have collaborated with pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to investigate how storage conditions impact mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the delivery mechanism behind COVID-19 vaccines and other treatments. Freezing and shipping often expose these nanoparticles to stress that can compromise their effectiveness.
The study, led by Assistant Professor Alex Marras, examined how different storage buffers—Tris, histidine, and citrate—affect the nanoparticles' internal structure, stability, and delivery efficiency. The findings reveal that buffer composition significantly influences nanoparticle behavior during freezing and thawing, with Tris preserving potency and stability better than other buffers.
This discovery could lead to more robust mRNA therapies with reduced side effects, as higher doses are often required when delivery rates are inefficient.
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