Automated lipid nanoparticle production could accelerate the development of RNA therapies
RNA vaccines and other nucleic acid therapeutics are typically packaged within fatty molecules known as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). MIT researchers have now developed a way to produce these particles much more quickly and with more precise control over their size and shape.
The development of automated lipid nanoparticle (LNP) production could significantly accelerate the creation of RNA therapies, according to MIT researchers. Lipid nanoparticles are typically used to package RNA vaccines and other nucleic acid therapeutics, but their production has been limited by trial-and-error experiments and lack of precise control over size and shape.
The MIT team has now developed a fully automated process that allows for precise control of LNP size and shape before testing their performance. This new method could greatly expedite the development of RNA and DNA therapeutics by providing a powerful tool for designing LNPs with desired attributes. Current methods for designing LNPs often rely on time-consuming trial-and-error, with limited investigation of desired particle size and shape.
The ability to control size and shape is crucial, as it determines the LNP's ability to target specific organs and tissues. The researchers found that breaking the mixing process into two steps and adjusting the residence time gives them the ability to control particle size and shape without altering the composition of the LNPs.
The new automated system incorporates a dynamic light scattering device to measure particle sizes as they form, allowing for quick adjustments to ensure the right size is achieved. This automated platform could greatly facilitate the development of RNA therapeutics by enabling developers to generate particles of different sizes and test them for specific applications much faster than ever before.
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