| Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) |
| Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) are nanoscale drug delivery vectors, typically composed of four key components: ionizable lipids, cholesterol, PEGylated lipids, and structural lipids (auxiliary lipids). The type and composition ratio of lipids, along with other formulation parameters, determine critical structural and biological characteristics of LNPs, including their size, stability, nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency, cellular uptake, and in vivo distribution[1]. |
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| Figure 1. Basic composition of lipid nanoparticles[2]. |
| LNPs in mRNA Vaccine Delivery |
LNPs are able to effectively encapsulate and protect nucleic acid drugs, making them as a leading delivery vector for mRNA vaccines. Here’s how they work:
1. Positive charged LNPs electrostatically bind to negatively charged mRNA molecules, forming stable complexes.
2. The complexes enter cells through endocytosis, and then they are broken down by lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes.
3. As the pH value decreases to a slightly acidic level, ionizable lipids are protonated, disrupting the LNP bilayer structure and releasing the encapsulated mRNA payload.
4. The released mRNA binds with ribosomes, triggering the production of immunogenic antigens which activate the host immune system and prevent future infection[3]. |
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| Figure 2. Schematic diagram of mRNA vaccine carried by LNP entering cells[4]. |
| LNPs’ Unique Advantages |
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Low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility |
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Safer, more user-friendly, and cost-efficient delivery system. Superior to viral vectors |
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Exceptional stability, and structural integrity in biological environments |
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Superior nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency |
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Great cellular uptake and transfection efficiency |
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Effective endosomal escape capabilities |
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MedChemExpress Products |
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| References: |
[1] Saber N, et al. Hum Gene Ther. 2024;35(17-18):617-627.
[2] Jung HN, et al. Theranostics. 2022;12(17):7509-7531.
[3] Cullis PR, et al. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2024;23(9):709-722.
[4] Aldosari BN, et al. Pharmaceutics. 2021;13(2):206. |
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