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| 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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Products are for research use only and are not intended for human use. We do
not sell to patients.
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