Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, such as those developed for COVID-19, must be protected and safely delivered into the body’s cells to function effectively. To facilitate this, scientists use fat-like particles called lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which are composed of four lipid components. Among these components, polyethylene glycol-conjugated lipid (PEG-lipid), plays a crucial role in stabilising the nanoparticles and enhancing their circulation in the body, despite being present in small amounts. However, how the structure and amount of PEG-lipid influence the effectiveness of mRNA delivery have not been fully understood. In our study, we investigated different types of PEG-lipid to understand how structural modifications— such as the length of the lipid tail or the amount used—affect the delivery, location, and effectiveness of the mRNA in the body. We found that excessive amounts of PEG-lipid reduced mRNA delivery efficiency. Additionally, certain types of PEG-lipids facilitated targeted delivery to specific organs, such as the liver or lymph nodes. These findings can help scientists design better mRNA vaccines in the future.

Read more: https://www.a-star.edu.sg/bti/bti-research-highlights/insights-into-lnp-design-for-mrna-delivery